by Asif Showkat Kallol (Dhaka Bureau)
Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the Planning and Finance Adviser to the Prime Minister, has announced fundamental changes in the formulation of development projects under the new government. He stated that many past projects were based on crony patronage, and the government now aims to move away from that practice toward the democratization of the economy- ensuring the participation of people from all walks of life in the planning process.
He made these remarks on Wednesday (April 15) during a press briefing following the first meeting of the Advisory Committee, formed to draft the government’s economic strategy, held at the NEC conference room of the Planning Commission in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
Mr Titumir set out an ambitious vision for a more inclusive and accountable economic framework, while acknowledging deep structural flaws in past planning.
Speaking to economists at the planning commission, Titumir said the government was committed to building a ‘democratic and inclusive economy’ shaped by years of public demand for reform. ‘People have repeatedly taken to the streets seeking change, accountability and the democratisation of the economy,’ he said. ‘But our past plans lacked implementation strategies, evaluation, and review mechanisms- resulting in persistently weak execution of development programmes.’
He stressed that future economic planning would prioritise both implementation and accountability, including public disclosure of progress. Referring to the government’s manifesto, he highlighted plans for a digital ‘dashboard’ to track performance, signalling a shift away from what he described as symbolic development projects.
Titumir warned that Bangladesh’s current economic pressures- particularly inflation- were rooted in long-term structural issues left by previous administrations. He claimed that prolonged inflation had pushed an additional 9 million people into poverty over the past three years.
Cautioning against abrupt energy price adjustments, he said such moves could further fuel inflation, especially during the ongoing boro rice cultivation season, when irrigation demand is high. While reaffirming that price adjustments would eventually be necessary, he argued that timing and sequencing would be critical to avoid economic shocks.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s development trajectory, Titumir criticised what he called an overemphasis on planning without results, pointing to multiple long-term frameworks that failed to deliver sustained growth gains. He contrasted this with earlier periods in the country’s history when higher growth acceleration had been achieved during times of crisis.
The adviser also underscored the government’s focus on social protection and inclusion. Initiatives such as family cards and expanded support for women were presented as key indicators of development. ‘If we are to measure progress, women’s advancement must be central,’ he said, adding that efforts were underway to bring all women under targeted support schemes.
He further announced plans to expand financial inclusion for marginal farmers through the introduction of ‘farmer cards’, aimed at improving access to banking and state support. The initiative, he said, reflects a broader commitment to equitable growth and rural empowerment.
Invoking the legacy of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and the spirit of the historic Kagmari conference, Titumir emphasised collective leadership over personality-driven politics. ‘We do not want to concentrate power in individuals,’ he said. ‘Our goal is to ensure the progress of all people.’
The remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with mounting economic challenges, including inflationary pressures, fiscal constraints, and external shocks, placing renewed urgency on reforms in governance and economic management.
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The Author:
Asif Showkat Kallol: Works for a German-based online outlet, The Mirror Asia, as Head of News and Contributor, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
