Newly appointed Minister for Finance and Planning, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, has signaled a shift toward a pragmatic and result-oriented administration, stating that his primary focus will be on “actions rather than premature rhetoric.”
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Planning on Sunday, February 22, after officially assuming his dual responsibilities, the Minister emphasized a cautious and analytical approach to governance.
A Focus on Review and Reality
Addressing the media for the first time in his new role, Minister Amir Khasru made it clear that he intends to thoroughly review ongoing programs and consult with ministry officials before making any major policy announcements.
“I have only just arrived,” the Minister stated. “There is no benefit in speaking prematurely. Let me settle in, assess the situation, and discuss matters with the relevant officials. Everything will be shared in due time.”
The Minister noted that since he assumed office only two days ago, he is currently in the process of understanding the scope of the ministry’s work, existing commitments, and inherent institutional challenges. He stressed the importance of making evidence-based decisions rather than relying on speculation.
Vision for the Future
When questioned about long-term economic goals—such as transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034—the Minister declined to provide specific figures or immediate projections. He maintained that meaningful policy direction can only be offered after a comprehensive and full-scale assessment of the current economic landscape.
Addressing Delays and Cost Overruns
Regarding concerns over the rising costs of development projects and implementation delays, the Minister assured that these are already part of the administrative process. He noted that such issues would be addressed through existing institutional frameworks but required careful scrutiny first.
“It has been only two days since I took charge,” he reiterated. “These matters require careful review. Once we have examined everything, we will speak more significantly on these issues.”
Commitment to Transparency
The Minister concluded by promising transparency and timely communication once the internal evaluation process is complete. He warned that commenting without sufficient data could lead to incomplete or incorrect perceptions.
“I do not believe in saying something just for the sake of speaking,” he said. “What is needed are objective and meaningful statements.”
