Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said his priority would be to focus on work rather than making premature statements.
“We want to talk less and work more,” he said, underscoring his preference for results-driven governance.
Talking to reporters shortly after taking charge of the Planning Ministry, Amir Khosru made it clear that his approach would be centred on action and careful assessment rather than immediate public pronouncements.
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He stressed that he had only just assumed office and needed time to review ongoing programmes and consult officials before outlining detailed plans. “I have just arrived. There is no benefit in speaking too much in advance. Let me settle down, review the situation and speak with officials. In due time, everything will be communicated.”
The minister, who is also in charge of the Finance Ministry, said he had assumed responsibility only days earlier and was still in the process of understanding the scope of his ministry’s workload, existing commitments and institutional challenges.
He emphasised the importance of making informed and evidence-based decisions rather than offering speculative remarks.
“I have just entered the office. It is important to review everything carefully and hold discussions with the officials. After proper review, it will be easier to present objective and substantive statements,” he said.
Responding to vollies questions about his plans and priorities, including long-term economic targets such as transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, the minister refrained from offering immediate specifics.
Instead, he reiterated that any meaningful policy direction would emerge only after thorough evaluation.
The minister assured that transparency and timely communication would be maintained once the review process was complete.
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“There is no reason for concern. Everything will be shared in due course,” he said. “It is important to settle down first, review the situation and then speak based on facts.”
Amir Khosru also responded cautiously when asked about concerns over overcosted or delayed development projects, which have been a longstanding issue in the country’s public investment landscape.
He said such matters were already part of an ongoing administrative process and would be addressed through proper institutional mechanisms.
“All issues are in process. It has only been two days since I assumed office. These matters require careful review and discussions. After reviewing everything, we will speak in a more substantive manner,” he said.
The minister stressed that making statements without adequate assessment could lead to incomplete or inaccurate conclusions, and reiterated his commitment to providing fact-based information once internal evaluations were completed.
“For the sake of saying something, I do not think that is appropriate. What is needed is objective and substantive statements,” he added.
The Planning Ministry plays a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s development agenda, including approving and monitoring projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), formulating five-year plans and coordinating long-term national economic strategies.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is pursuing ambitious economic goals, including sustaining high growth, improving project efficiency and strengthening institutional capacity to support long-term development.