Be frugal in spending on development projects: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked officials concerned to be economical in spending public money on development projects in order to be able to address the financial crisis caused by the adverse impacts of Covid-19.

She issued the instruction from a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday.

The prime minister presided over the Ecnec meeting virtually while other ministers and officials joined it at the National Economic Council Auditorium in Dhaka.

Planning Minister MA Mannan briefed the media after emerging from the meeting.

He said the prime minister instructed all units of local governments, including city corporations, to be solvent financially.

"Local governments provide services to the people. So, they should earn from there. It is not wise for them to seek government money to ensure their development," said MA Mannan, quoting the prime minister.

The minister also said the government is organising major meetings virtually, which has reduced entertainment costs. A ban has also been imposed on buying cars with government funds till December next.

He added that there is a big scope to reduce the misuse of government funds and that the prime minister has directed them to reduce costs for cars, accommodation, procurement, entertainment and foreign tours.