Minister urges coordinated, community-focused development projects
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam today said development projects should complement each other while ensuring effective participation and engagement of local communities in the areas where they are implemented.
She made the remarks at a review meeting on ongoing projects and unapproved new projects included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for fiscal year 2026-27 under different agencies of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry.
The meeting was held at the ministry's conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon.
Afroza said development projects should not be planned or implemented in isolation but should complement one another to maximise their overall impact and benefits.
She particularly stressed the need to establish effective interaction with local communities and ensure their meaningful participation in projects being undertaken in their respective areas.
The minister said project feasibility and prospects for future growth should be carefully assessed during project formulation in line with the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
She also directed officials and agencies concerned to become more proactive in project implementation and ensure that ongoing projects are completed within their stipulated timeframes.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, meanwhile, stressed the need to formulate development projects in line with the electoral manifesto of the incumbent democratic government.
He advocated greater use of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model instead of relying on direct government financing for development projects.
"We should try to implement projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model instead of using direct government financing or GoB funds," Millat said.
He said development initiatives should ultimately translate into tangible benefits for the people.
"We have to ensure that the people of the country can enjoy the benefits of a transformed Bangladesh through our development projects," he added.
State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki also attended the meeting.
Senior officials from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Planning Ministry and agencies concerned were present.
