Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has acknowledged widespread corruption in several large-scale development projects. He emphasized that the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) will be employed for stricter oversight going forward.

“Many projects have been initiated without proper analysis, leading to double the expected cost,” Mahmud said. Citing the Joydebpur-Ashulia Bus Transit Project, he noted that Tk 3,000 crore has already been spent, and another Tk 3,000 crore will be required due to flawed planning.

He also highlighted frequent technical issues in the metro rail system, stating that such modern projects are often introduced hastily to create a spectacle, without considering long-term technical sustainability or local capacity for technology transfer.