Publicly-funded projects must return benefits to people: Minister

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has said that the benefits of projects implemented with public money must ultimately return to the people, stressing accountability and transparency in development work.

She made the remarks while addressing a review meeting on the progress of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation for FY2025-26, held on Saturday at the conference room of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in Dhaka.

The meeting, which began at 11:00am, reviewed the implementation progress of projects up to April 2026.

The minister directed officials to complete ongoing projects within the shortest possible time, in line with the directives of the prime minister.

She also emphasised that before taking up new projects in the aviation and tourism sectors, their financial feasibility must be properly assessed.

Afroza further said that proper planning must be ensured before undertaking any infrastructure or facility development, while stressing stronger monitoring of contractors to ensure timely progress of work.

Read More

Experts condemn rising violence against children

“Projects implemented with public funds must truly benefit the people,” she said, adding that all concerned must remain alert and responsible in this regard. She also underscored the need for strict supervision to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels of project implementation.

The meeting was chaired by Secretary of the ministry Fahmida Akhtar. Senior officials including the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, and project directors of ongoing schemes were also present.