Published: 12:08 AM, 13 October 2026
Every penny of public money must be spent properly: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged government officials to ensure the proper and effective use of public funds in development projects, stressing that every penny of taxpayers’ money must be spent in the interests of the country and the welfare of its people.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat to review the activities of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, including the progress of its ongoing development projects, future plans and implementation targets.
Addressing ministry officials, the prime minister said the government would allocate funds to support development initiatives and achieve planned objectives, but emphasised that the responsibility for ensuring the proper use of those resources rested with the officials entrusted with implementing the projects.
“You have undertaken many projects and set many targets. The government will allocate budgets to achieve those targets. But this is public money. I expect all of you to pay attention to ensuring that every penny is spent properly in the interests of the country and for the welfare of its people,” he said.
His remarks underscored the importance of financial discipline, accountability and a results-oriented approach to public expenditure, particularly as the government pursues development programmes intended to improve people's lives.
The prime minister also highlighted the responsibility that comes with holding public office, describing government service as an opportunity to contribute to the country's development and work for the well-being of its citizens.
He observed that those entrusted with government responsibilities enjoyed privileges and opportunities unavailable to many people across the country. Such opportunities, he said, should be used to serve the public rather than treated merely as positions of authority.
“We who are here are all privileged compared with the overall population of Bangladesh. Allah has given us an opportunity to work for our country and its people,” Tarique said.
Urging officials to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication, he reminded them that opportunities to serve in particular positions were temporary. He called on them to make the best possible use of their time in office by prioritising public welfare and delivering meaningful outcomes.
“Let us all try to make proper use of the opportunity we have, for as long as we have it, to work for the people and the country,” he said.
The prime minister's message placed public service, responsible leadership and the effective delivery of development programmes at the centre of the government's expectations for public officials.
Tarique also encouraged officials to participate more actively in discussions and share their professional assessments, practical experiences and observations from different levels of government.
He said insights from officials working directly in the field and those involved in project implementation could help the government better understand operational challenges, assess progress and make informed decisions.
Encouraging more open exchanges at future meetings, the prime minister expressed hope that officials would speak candidly about their experiences, identify obstacles and offer their opinions to help improve the ministry's performance.
He said another meeting would be held in the future to review the ministry's progress, indicating that the government's assessment of its activities and development initiatives would continue.
The meeting reviewed the ministry's ongoing activities, development projects, future plans and targets. Officials briefed the prime minister on the progress of the initiatives under the ministry and its priorities for the coming period.
The emphasis on proper spending comes against the broader need to ensure that public investment translates into tangible benefits for citizens. Effective project implementation requires not only adequate budget allocations but also careful monitoring, responsible resource management and a clear focus on intended outcomes.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid, State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Secretary Delwar Hossain and senior officials of the ministry attended the meeting.
