Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for a major shift in approach to ensure the effective, timely, and sustainable implementation of development projects under the Annual Development Program (ADP).

He made the remarks today while addressing a review meeting on the progress of ADP projects for the fiscal year 2025–26, implemented by the Local Government Division up to February 2026.

State Minister of the ministry Mir Shahe Alam attended the meeting as a special guest.

During the meeting, detailed presentations were made on organization-wise financial allocations, projects nearing completion, as well as the progress and challenges of ongoing key initiatives. Based on these discussions, the minister provided directives aimed at accelerating project execution and enhancing efficiency, according to a ministry press release.

Emphasizing accountability, the minister stated that no project should face unnecessary delays and must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

He urged all stakeholders to act with sincerity and responsibility to achieve these goals.

Highlighting the need for reform, Mirza Fakhrul stressed the adoption of realistic and sustainable strategies, moving away from conventional practices.

He cautioned against undertaking superficial or “routine” projects and directed officials to incorporate clear exit strategies, maintenance plans, and sustainability considerations into every Development Project Proposal (DPP).

Referring to the government’s priority on employment generation, he underscored the importance of designing projects that create significant job opportunities.

He also called for large-scale, integrated initiatives to protect the country’s rivers, including those around Dhaka.

The minister further instructed that potential risks must be carefully assessed during project planning, with necessary adjustments made to ongoing projects when required.

He also directed that project directors should not be changed unless absolutely necessary.

The meeting was chaired by Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hassan and attended by senior officials of the ministry along with directors of various ongoing projects.