Bangladesh’s Finance Division has increased spending authority for ministries, autonomous bodies and project directors to accelerate government project delivery and reduce delays in procurement. A recently issued circular allows entities and individuals to approve spending limits that have risen by two to three times in some cases without approval from the procurement committee. The report was published on August 17, 2026.

Under the new rules, ministries and divisions may approve up to Tk100 crore for construction works and contracts in development projects, as well as for purchasing goods, machinery and materials, up from Tk50 crore. In the operating budget, ministries may approve up to Tk100 crore for construction work and Tk50 crore for goods purchases. Their authority for hiring consultants in development projects has doubled from Tk10 crore to Tk20 crore.

Agency heads may now approve up to Tk25 crore for construction work, from Tk20 crore, and up to Tk20 crore for goods and equipment purchases, from Tk7 crore. Project directors’ powers have been set in three categories based on project size. Economist Abu Ahmed and former finance secretary Mahbub Ahmed welcomed the move but called for stronger oversight and accountability to prevent misuse or waste of funds.