Reality, accountability to guide new economic strategy: Planning adviser

The government is moving away from the traditional planning approach to develop a more effective, accountable and realistic framework for economic strategy, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser to the prime minister on finance and planning, has said.

The Five-Year Strategic Framework (2026-2030) will be prepared based on consultations with leading economists, researchers, business leaders and representatives of civil society, he said at the second meeting of the committee on formulating the strategy in Dhaka yesterday.

Many national plans in the past became "dead documents" soon after adoption, as there were no effective measures to implement their objectives and strategies, Titumir said. 

Besides, earlier projects were often selected on the basis of nepotism and patronage, with unrealistic cost escalations and misalignment with ground realities, he added.

He pointed out that earlier planning systems suffered from structural weaknesses, including delays in project implementation, repeated revisions, late appointment of project directors, and the "June syndrome", which undermined efficiency.

He said that after the current government assumed office, such projects have been re-evaluated, and new decisions are being taken in line with expert recommendations. 

"The aim now is to break from that culture and establish a practical and results-oriented planning framework," the adviser said. "The new strategy will not only set economic targets but also analyse why previous goals were not achieved."

He added, "Sector-based planning is being emphasised, with ministries instructed to submit project proposals accordingly. Accountability and transparency are being strengthened throughout the process."

4 reforms in new strategy

Adviser Titumir outlined four major reforms in the new framework. First, the project selection or programming process is being redesigned to better reflect public expectations. Second, continuous monitoring and evaluation will be introduced to track progress. 

Third, free flow of information will be ensured so that researchers, academics and citizens can assess project realities. Fourth, the entire process will be made more citizen-friendly and accountable.

5 electoral priorities

Titumir said the plan is being developed on the basis of the people's mandate, reflecting five key electoral priorities: state reform, equitable development, economic recovery, regional balance and social harmony.

He further said the new economic strategy sets a goal of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, supported by sectoral planning, specific strategies and measurable indicators.

He added that the Planning Commission is being transformed from what he described as a "rubber stamp" body into an effective policy-making institution.

A digital dashboard is also being introduced to allow citizens to monitor project progress directly, he mentioned.

Titumir said the planning process is fully participatory, incorporating the views of economists, researchers, business leaders and civil society. He added that 180-day work plans, annual plans and five-year plans from ministries have been collected and integrated.

He said public mandates and electoral commitments are now being translated into the government's economic agenda to build a more humane, democratic and welfare state.

The meeting was attended as a special guest by State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki, while chaired by former planning adviser of the interim government Wahiduddin Mahmud.