Shelve unimportant projects: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday directed not to implement any less important development projects that fall under the C-category in a bid to save resource in this trying time of austerity.

Prime Minister came up with the instruction at the cabinet meeting through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban.

However, Cabinet members and officials concerned attended the meeting at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat.

After the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam at a press briefing mentioned a number of PM’s directives on several issues including minimizing project costs, avoiding unnecessary procurement and the use of cars by government officials.

Khandker Islam said development projects have already been categorized into A, B and C categories. Projects under the A-category would be implemented immediately.

The B-category projects, up to 75 per cent costs can be spent while the implementation of C-category projects will remain suspended now, he said.

If any ministry feels that any project needs to be re-categorised, then they can discuss with the finance ministry, said the Cabinet secretary

Prime Minister also directed the authorities concerned to avoid the procurement of less important items in order to reduce the cost of government amid the global crisis.

Cabinet secretary said there is still scope for overseas tours by the government officials under foreign aid and procurement matters. But other overseas visits are restricted.

Citing an example, he said no official can go abroad on a study tour spending the government’s money.

At the meeting, the prime minister also put emphasis on raising the crops production and careful use of energy. She asked all to exercise austerity in the use of energy and ensure proper use of transport vehicles -- both public and private cars.

Besides, Khandker Anwarul Islam also said Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kaisar Khusru has been withdrawn from his post and made an officer on special duty (OSD) for verbally abusing a local journalist over phone.

He said, “We have already instructed to withdraw him, making him OSD immediately. And then action will be taken against him as per the instructions to be given by the High Court.”

The divisional commissioners have also been instructed to sit with field level officers to discuss their etiquette and behavior, said the Cabinet secretary.