PM irked by delays in implementing Kushtia Medical College project

The unusual delay in implementation of Kushtia Medical College Establishment Project has irked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The PM expressed displeasure when the project's second revision was put forward for the approval of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) today.

The Ecnec meeting sent back the second revision of the Kushtia Medical College Project directing the authorities concerned to investigate promptly as to why the project could not be completed yet.

Meanwhile, Ecnec cleared six other projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 9,569.23 crore. The weekly Ecnec meeting was held at NEC Bhaban with Ecnec Chairperson Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The PM joined the meeting virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

"PM expressed serious dissatisfaction and annoyance over the delay in project works," said Planning Minister MA Mannan while briefing reporters after the meeting. She said it is in no way acceptable as the project could not be completed in so many years.

The PM directed the planning minister to investigate it thoroughly soon by the IMED (Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division) and other agencies concerned.

"Give me its report and then I'll consider it," she was quoted as saying.

Mannan said the Kushtia Medical College Project started in 2012 and it was supposed to be completed by 2014 but it could not be finished despite extension of its deadline several times and the latest deadline was 2019.

Now the second revision of the project was placed seeking extension of the project deadline up to 2023, but the Ecnec meeting sent it back, he said adding that the progress of the project is not satisfactory.

Mannan said his ministry will send its probe team soon to Kushtia to investigate the delay in the project works thoroughly. The probe report will also be shared with the media after placing it before the PM, he said.