Mujib Year spending under review as documentation of wastage

Public funds spent during Mujib Barsha are now under scrutiny, as the Chief Adviser’s Office plans to document and assess expenditures amid growing concerns over waste. 

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced on Wednesday (November 6) that the government will compile a detailed report on how resources were allocated during the Mujib year, noting that significant funds were spent on various commemorative projects, some of which sparked controversy.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy, Shafiqul explained, "There was a frenzy around Mujib Barsha. Now, we’re committed to documenting what kind of work was done and how much money was potentially wasted in the name of these celebrations."

Shafiqul went on saying that the government has requested a $4.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighting the urgency to evaluate past expenditures. 

"In the name of Mujib Barsha, funds were used on murals and statues, some of which came from government coffers, while private institutions were reportedly pressured to contribute as well," he said. "This documentation is necessary to understand the extent of spending."

The Chief Adviser’s Office has tasked ministries with leading the documentation, which will include sector-wise breakdowns of funds used. 

Shafiqul referred to unverified reports claiming that over Tk 4,000 crore was spent on creating 10,000 statues, noting that these figures underscore the importance of an official review. 

Additionally, he mentioned that Tk 117 crore was spent on two murals on Padma Bridge, exemplifying what some view as excessive spending.

Asked whether the government would take any action against bureaucrats involved in the spending decisions, Shafiqul said, "We need to see the documentation first. Once we understand the extent of the expenditure, we can consider appropriate steps."

Also present at the press conference were Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir.