Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued a set of rigorous directives aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline and accountability in the government’s development projects, emphasizing that every expenditure must undergo strict scrutiny.

Presiding over the 10th Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting of the 2025-26 fiscal year today, the Prime Minister signaled a significant shift toward more stringent oversight of taxpayer funds.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting held at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki detailed the premier's instructions.

“PM directed that all development projects must be scrutinized to ensure they align with the current government’s election manifesto and overarching development plans aimed at improving the lives of the general people,” Saki said.

The Prime Minister’s guidelines focused heavily on national fund management and resource optimization.

“PM directed that the government must be thrifty in its spending and insisted that the eligibility and necessity of every expenditure must be strictly determined before approval is granted,” the State Minister added, noting that this move is intended to ensure national priorities remain the central focus of all allocations.

During the session, the Prime Minister underscored that the primary goal of any approved project must be the tangible improvement of the lives of the general public.

To maintain this standard, an ongoing process of auditing and reviewing projects is currently underway.

Addressing concerns over development efficiency, Saki mentioned that the Prime Minister ordered investigations into why several projects have faced implementation delays.

“He provided specific observations on various project proposals, emphasizing that development must be sustainable and must protect the environment while seeking to improve the quality of life for citizens,” Saki stated.

The meeting was attended by a high-level delegation, including LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, and other committee members alongside senior ministerial officials.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman confirmed that this session marks a critical point in the current fiscal year’s economic planning under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s chairmanship.