Graft decreased somewhat, extortion remains high: Wahiduddin

Planning and Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Monday said that while corruption has somewhat decreased, extortion still remains a significant issue in the country after the political changeover. 

He made these remarks during a press conference at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, following the meeting of the executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting.

Wahiduddin noted that ongoing projects are currently under revision, causing delays. 

Due to low private sector investment, projects are slowing down, affecting cash flow. 

He emphasised the need to push forward with existing projects to increase financial momentum, while also taking on new initiatives. 

However, before extending the duration of ongoing projects, the government is scrutinising costs carefully, he said.

Wahiduddin added that rather than focusing on large infrastructure projects or vehicle procurement, efforts will be made to enhance civic facilities in city corporations and municipalities, such as building parks, libraries, and water reservoirs. 

The government will also assess how many vehicles have been purchased under various projects, where they are currently located, and how they are being utilised. An investigation will be conducted into the disappearance of project vehicles after completion.

Wahiduddin also said that the Dhaka-Rangpur highway project, which is stalled up to Tangail, is a priority, especially as it has considerable foreign funding with low interest rates. 

The government is focusing on foreign-funded projects, and there is a push to decentralise the capital by improving civic amenities in city corporations and municipalities outside Dhaka.