Foreign-financed projects, rural connectivity top priority: Planning minister

New Planning Minister Major General (retd) Abdus Salam on Sunday said that the foreign-funded projects in the country would receive the highest priority in the next five years.

"The approval process of foreign-funded projects will be expedited while emphasis will be given on their implementation," he said while speaking to journalists at his office in Dhaka on Sunday, reports BSS. 

Stressing the significance of these projects, the planning minister also noted that their quick execution was crucial for timely disbursement in the future.

"Given our reliance on foreign funding, these projects will be given the top priority," he said. 

Highlighting the importance of rural development, Salam announced the second-highest priority for projects aimed at enhancing rural connectivity.

He said, "Paved roads will facilitate convenient travel for rural residents to urban areas, fostering increased economic activity. The growth in the rural economy will make a significant contribution to our core economic development."

He also underscored health management as the third-highest priority for the next five years.

"Securing doctors in rural areas is imperative. There will be a focus on enhancing health infrastructures to minimise the need for individuals to travel to Dhaka for medical treatment," he said. 

Regarding power generation, the minister acknowledged previous successes and shifted the focus to the supply system.  He stated, “It is important to ensure that the rural communities have access to electricity and caution of taking strict actions against corruption in this sector.”