The government has stringently warned secretaries of all ministries to make all projects transparent to eliminate corruption, and also to be aware of time frame and unnecessary expenses.
Planning Minister MA Mannan said, "Our job is to create visible infrastructures. People are much more aware and alert now. They are watching us, observing how we are doing things, and using resources. People are now aware about their money. We are under their continuous monitoring, and how we use their money (government fund)."
He was speaking at a webinar after a meeting with secretaries of 30 ministries held at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Thursday. Senior secretary of the Cabinet Khandaker Anwarul Islam, Ahmad Kaikaus, the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and senior secretary of the planning department Asadul Islam were also present.
The meeting discussed additional pricing of various products in the preparation of Development Project Proposal (DPP), control of unwanted expenditure including foreign trips in the name of training. In addition, there has been a thorough discussion on the review of the Annual Development Program (ADP) of the last financial year and the progress of the current financial year.
The planning minister said, "We have had detailed discussion. As the secretary of the ministry concerned is liable to implement their respective projects, they have also agreed to implement projects carefully by curtailing unnecessary expenditure and purchase. Different secretaries have informed that they have formed a task force to monitor project evaluation, cost estimation, and others so they can put up a quality project within the time frame and cost that can be completed".
"If anyone is found engaged in corruption in any projects, s/he will be brought under law as per the government rules. We all admit that in some cases there are exaggerations, whether wrong or human error. But the repetition of the same mistake repetition is not acceptable. Together we discussed how to stop it. We have all agreed on this, we will deal with it from our own position. We started working this year, we will be very much aware of new projects," added the minister.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also witnessed what we have discussed today. We got her direction as she will not tolerate any neglect in any projects. Against discipline, nothing will be accepted in the coming days", the minister warned further.
During the meeting all attendees agree to avoid unnecessary expenses not only for the coronavirus outbreak but also in any situation.