Dr Shamsul Alam to take oath as state minister for planning tomorrow

Prof Dr Shamsul Alam has said project management and their fast implementation will be his top priority after taking charge as the state minister for planning.

Dr Alam, a member of Planning Commission's General Economy Division (senior secretary), will be sworn in as the state minister at 7:30am tomorrow.

Due to the pandemic situation, the oath-taking ceremony will be organised at a small scale at Bangabhaban where some senior ministers will be present, Dr Alam told The Daily Star today. 

Asked about his top priority after taking charge, Dr Alam said he is keen to work with the planning minister to develop the project management system and fast implementation.

"Will try to keep up the dynamism created in the general economic sector over the last 12 years," he said.

Dr Alam further said, "From my experience, I saw 40 percent of the total budget goes to development, including in financial and social sectors. Therefore, we will definitely want to expedite the projects and their implementation."

Besides, he said, he will try to increase foreign investment and if needed, related policies will be changed or amended through discussions.

When implementing development activities, information published in media will be considered. "There may be a bridge somewhere but no road. I read a news that children are crossing a bamboo bridge with difficulties. Personally, I will keep the paper cuttings and will work in such areas."

Dr Alam worked as a member of General Economy Division (GED) since 2009 and his contract ended on June 30 this year.

He joined Bangladesh Agricultural University as a teacher in 1974 and continued till 2009. He achieved honours and masters degrees from the same university in 1965 and 1973 respectively.

He received Ekushey Padak in 2020 for his contribution in the country's economy.