Slow progress in Kushtia medical college project, PM orders action

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to take action against those responsible for the slow progress in implementation of Kushtia Medical College and Hospital Project.

She issued the order while approving the 2nd revision of the much-talked-about project with an additional cost of Tk 71.38 crore at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Ecnec chairperson, presided over the meeting held at the NEC conference room, joining it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.

“The final notice was served to complete the work on Kushtia Medical College. The Prime Minister issued a tough directive in this regard. She directed the Planning Commission to take punitive action against those responsible for its slow implementation,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters after the meeting.

He said IMED launched an investigation and finally submitted its report over the alleged irregularities in the work of the medical college project.

Mannan said the Prime Minister asked the authorities to take action against all those involved in the irregularities in implementing the project and asked them not to spare anyone, even if one goes on retirement.

Hasina asked the implementing agencies to complete the work on the project within the new timeframe.

According to its original layout, the project was supposed to be implemented from January 2012 to December 2014 with a cost of Tk 275.44 crore.

In the 2nd revision, the project cost was raised to Tk 682.46 crore and the deadline was extended up to December 2023.