Staff Reporter:
Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said that 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 inclination for results-driven govern-ance.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Finance, said this while speaking to reporters shortly after coming to the Planning Ministry in the capital yesterday.
Khasru made it clear that his approach would be centered on action and careful assessment rather than immediate public pronouncements.
He also stressed that he had only just assumed office and needed time to review ongoing programs 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 said he had assumed responsibility only days earlier and was still in the process of under-standing the scope of his ministry’s workload, existing commitments and institutional challenges.
He emphasized 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 a barrage of questions about his plans and priorities, including long-term economic tar-gets 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 Planning Minister assured that transparency and timely communication would be maintained once the review process was complete.
“There is no reason for concern. Everything will be shared in due course. It is important to settle down first, review the situation and then speak based on facts,” he said.
When asked about concerns over cost over-run or delayed development projects, he said such matters were already part of an ongoing administrative process and would be addressed through proper institu-tional 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.
He 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, but what is needed is objective and substantive statements,” he added.
