Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury On Monday said the government is giving top priority to strengthening the rural economy and improving the living standards of rural people through new development projects and rural infrastructure expansion.

Replying to a supplementary question from ruling party MP Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia (Dinajpur-4) in the Parliament, the minister said more than 500 projects from previous governments have not achieved even 10 percent implementation and around 1,300 projects are currently under review since there are issues related to wastage and corruption.

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He said the information was presented based on official records and since those projects were undertaken by previous governments, there is limited scope for further comment.

The Finance and Planning Minister, however, expressed optimism that the projects being undertaken under the present government’s development plans are focused on boosting rural economic activities and enhancing the quality of life of rural communities.

“If we want to strengthen the rural economy and improve the living standards of rural people, our first priority must be the development of rural infrastructures,” he told the House. Khosru said the government is working to take practical and people-oriented projects that directly benefit rural populations and ensure sustainable economic growth across the country.

He said the members of parliament can raise development proposals with the respective ministries and if any project is found feasible and beneficial for improving local livelihoods and living standards, it will be considered for future implementation.

The minister also expressed hope that the government would be able to deliver more positive and encouraging news in the coming days through effective project implementation and rural development initiatives.