The government will focus on implementing development projects aimed at improving the living standards of marginalised people instead of “unnecessary mega projects,” said State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul on Saturday.
She made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a shadow parliament debate competition on budget priorities for social protection programmes, held at the Film Development Corporation (FDC) in the capital.
The event was organised by Debate for Democracy, chaired by its Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron.
Farzana Sharmin said there had been irregularities and nepotism in social safety programmes during the previous Awami League government. She claimed that under the current administration, the distribution of family cards would be free from political interference and corruption, with beneficiaries selected through a scoring system using the IBAS method after field-level verification.
She also said the “family card” initiative has been included as a flagship programme under BNP’s election manifesto and added that the expanded social protection system would not increase the country’s debt burden.
The state minister further alleged that the previous government had weakened institutions and promoted corruption through over-budgeted mega projects, extending timelines and costs to benefit vested interests.
Speaking at the event, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the government is prioritising universal social protection in the national budget, calling it a “bold initiative,” while also raising concerns over financing and beneficiary selection.
He noted that although no major allegations of political interference or corruption have yet been reported in mainstream or social media, proper fiscal discipline and governance reforms are necessary for effective implementation.
He added that social protection alone cannot improve living standards unless it is combined with education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, fair agricultural pricing, and access to credit for self-reliance.
In the debate competition, Government Titumir College defeated Uttara University to emerge as champions. Judges included academics, journalists, and media professionals.
Winners were awarded trophies, crests, and certificates at the end of the programme.