Mega projects must be implemented at right cost: Debapriya Bhattacharya

Economist and distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya has said mega projects are necessary for the country, but they must be undertaken at the right cost and implemented properly.

“The government will undertake mega projects when necessary. It should choose the right projects, execute them at the right cost and implement them properly. Mega projects are certainly needed,” he said.

He made the remarks while delivering the opening speech at a discussion titled “What Kind of Budget Do We Want?” held in Tejgaon in the capital on Thursday night.

Questioning opposition to large-scale development initiatives, Dr Debapriya said there was no reason why major projects should not be undertaken.

Referring to the proposed Padma Barrage Project, he said the project is included in the election pledges of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and that he personally supports the initiative.

He said the barrage is necessary for people living in the affected region and for irrigation purposes because of the dry conditions created by the Farakka Barrage upstream.

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However, he noted that questions remain regarding how the project would be financed and over what period the financing would be arranged.

Among other panel discussants at the event were Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain, Dean of North South University Prof Dr Waresul Karim, energy expert Dr M Shamsul Alam, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem and BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell.

The discussion, moderated by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, was attended by economists, politicians and academics.