Govt vehicle usage to be tracked: Planning adviser

Planning and Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud has expressed frustration over the misuse of government vehicles, stating that a comprehensive audit will be conducted to track the whereabouts of all government-owned cars across the country.

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting at the Chief Adviser's Office on Monday (October 7), Dr Mahmud raised concerns about the excessive use of vehicles in government projects. 

"Every project buys cars, but where do these cars go afterward? Some officers are using three vehicles. While individual-owned cars last longer, government cars wear out quickly and are wasted," he said.

He emphasised the need for accountability, announcing that a full inventory of government vehicles will be compiled soon to determine how many cars are in use, who is using them, and how damaged vehicles are being handled.

Addressing employment, Dr Mahmud pointed out that low private investment is contributing to a shortage of job opportunities, with both public and private investments in decline.

He also commented on extortion, acknowledging that it remains an issue, though he expects "political waste" to decrease.

On foreign loans, the adviser reassured that Japanese loans remain secure, with no signs of corruption in projects funded by Japan. "Interest rates on Japanese projects are also low," he added.