Political influence affected project approvals during AL regime: Debapriya

Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the White Paper Drafting Committee, said that the administration was heavily influenced by political pressure during the Awami League government, with project approvals and implementations used as a means to siphon public funds. 

According to Bhattacharya, senior government officials have now expressed the need to work independently, free from political intervention.

He made these remarks at a committee briefing held at the NEC conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday (November 3).

Bhattacharya shared that senior officials reported irregularities across various stages of project planning, including land acquisitions and equipment procurement, along with contractor appointments influenced by political favoritism. 

He emphasised that "all projects approved during the previous government carried political influence. Any attempt to question the narrative of ‘development’ was met with punitive action."

Speakers at the briefing noted they felt victimised by the political climate, with some alleging they were subject to harassment.

Addressing structural reforms, Bhattacharya highlighted the need to strengthen the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Department (IMED) within the Ministry of Planning. 

He argued that greater accountability would follow if democratic principles and reform measures were implemented effectively.

The White Paper, once finalised, will be presented to the Chief Adviser, who will then determine subsequent actions.