Finance Minister Prioritizes Public Welfare Over Debt-Driven Mega Projects

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the second phase of the "RAISE" project—a joint venture between the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the World Bank—at Agargaon in the capital on Sunday morning, May 10, 2026, the Minister stated that the government has decided to scrap all unnecessary and unproductive projects. He emphasized that the primary goal of the current administration is to foster inclusive economic growth rather than accumulating foreign debt for "showcase" infrastructure. By focusing on projects that directly improve the standard of living and create employment opportunities, the Minister believes the national economy will achieve greater stability and resilience.

During his address, the Finance Minister laid significant stress on the concept of "Economic Democratization." He argued that political democracy alone is insufficient for true national development; rather, democracy must be ensured at every level of the economic structure. He noted that the government’s priority is to provide financial support to those who are currently marginalized or excluded from the formal economy, bringing them into the mainstream through targeted social safety nets and micro-credit facilities. The "RAISE" project is expected to play a critical role in this transition by empowering the informal sector and assisting underprivileged individuals in becoming self-reliant. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury reiterated that receiving economic benefits is a fundamental right of every citizen, and the government is committed to ensuring that the national budget is utilized for genuine public welfare rather than servicing the interests of a select few.