Consider public benefits before taking up dev projects: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the authorities concerned to first consider the benefits the people and the economy would get before taking up any development project.

"We should first think about what the return we would gain – how much it would develop the country's people and how much it would be used in the welfare of the country's people," she said during a presentation on the programme outlines of the Roads and Highways Department in building the Smart Bangladesh by 2041 at her official residence Ganabhaban on Tuesday.

She also asked the authorities to prioritise avoiding unnecessary costs as well as expedite the implementation of the projects, said the PM's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon at a press briefing.

In case of taking up any plan and scheme, all will have to keep in mind how much the country's economic activities will be accelerated and how much the local people will be benefited as well as what would be the result if a project is implemented or a bridge is constructed, said Sheikh Hasina.

She said the people of the country are now enjoying the benefits as some infrastructural developments have taken place quickly.

The PM said her government announced the "Vision 2021" and has successfully implemented it and thus Bangladesh got the recognition of a developing nation.

"Now, our target is to transform Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous and smart country by 2041. We have been working to implement the vision," she said.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, among others, were present.