Bangladesh’s chronic delays in public projects, from the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway to local infrastructure, reveal a deeper governance crisis—one driven by favouritism and the absence of accountability
Since the time I started understanding the ways of the world, I have watched with growing irritation how formal plans turn into needless delays and pledges turn into roadblocks. Since I was fifteen, work has been underway on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway. Ten years later, however, much of the work remains unfinished. Traffic jams persist, accidents claim lives, costs have doubled, and commuters face daily struggles.
This is not the story of a single highway. It is the indictment of a broken system—one where political nominations, public office, and development projects are driven more by money, favouritism, and corruption than by competence or genuine concern for public welfare. Failure to reform will cost us an entire generation.
In many constituencies, nominations for local office or parliament are determined more by wealth, influence, and connections than by credentials or a commitment to public service. Office-holders face little accountability, as those elected through political or financial clout seldom deliver effective infrastructure, planning, or essential services.
As a result, projects are often undertaken for publicity rather than genuine need. Lavish ribbon-cutting ceremonies take precedence over essential but less glamorous work such as road maintenance, staffing hospitals, or hiring teachers. Moreover, due to a lack of strong oversight and transparency, few elected officials are required to provide regular, measurable reports on their progress or performance.
The following figures and reports illustrate how this plays out in reality. Despite expenditures exceeding Tk1,800 crore, only 41–50% of the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway expansion has been completed after more than a decade.
The project was first contracted in 2011 at a cost of around Tk 880 crore for an 87-kilometre section to be expanded into four lanes. Even though over 45,000 vehicles ply the Dhaka–Gazipur stretch daily, the average speed has dropped to just 13 km/h. Corruption and inefficiency have imposed enormous costs—bribery, inflated contracts, and persistent delays are routine in public infrastructure projects across Bangladesh.
A recent evaluation found that public projects now last over five years on average and cost more than 70% above their original estimates. According to a survey, corruption in public services affected 70.9% of households in 2021, up from 66.5% in 2017.
In critical sectors such as law enforcement, road and transport authorities, the judiciary, and education, bribes and delays were reported as commonplace. These are not isolated problems—they are systemic. When nominations reward wealth over integrity and when performance goes unchecked, projects stall, and elected leaders lose any sense of urgency.
The consequences of poor governance are felt in many aspects of daily life. Roads remain half-built; crossings are unsafe; and inadequate lighting, dividers, and safety measures endanger commuters.
Infrastructure projects that should take two to three years routinely drag on for five to ten. Inequality and geographical injustice deepen as rural roads; small towns, and remote villages are neglected, while politically strategic or vote-rich areas receive attention.
Political loyalty often trumps expertise, eroding human capital and leading to weak governance in health, education, and local administration. Economic inefficiency follows—manifested in traffic bottlenecks, hazardous roads, longer travel times, and the misuse of public funds. Price escalations, inflated contracts, and unnecessary delays all exact a heavy toll. Young people, in particular, are left to watch a nation stagnate.
What must change: Process, transparency, accountability
To break this cycle, a set of urgent reforms is essential:
Transparent nomination criteria: Political parties must define and publicly disclose clear selection criteria for candidates—based on experience, track record, and integrity. Violations should trigger public censure and fines.
MP performance reporting: Members of the Parliament must publish monthly or quarterly reports on infrastructure, public services, constituency visits, and budget utilisation. Data must be made public. Failure to comply should result in salary suspension and a formal inquiry.
Public ratings and scorecards: Independent bodies comprising civil society, media, and auditors should evaluate MPs objectively. Rankings must be published, and deliberate misinformation penalised.
Merit-based recruitment: All technical and planning positions should be filled solely on qualifications and merit. Political favouritism must be met with legal action and the nullification of appointments.
Strengthen oversight institutions: Anti-corruption bodies, public procurement authorities, and audit offices must operate independently, with sufficient resources and protection from political interference. Any interference should be punishable by law.
Legal and structural reforms: Laws must enable the prosecution of negligent or corrupt officials and mandate third-party verification of major projects. Delays or falsified reporting should incur fines, dismissal, or criminal charges.
Civic engagement and transparency: Establish open data portals, public hearings, and participatory budgeting processes to enable citizen oversight. Any misuse of authority or harassment of citizens should result in strict legal consequences.
The momentum for change already exists—whether from the July Uprising or other civic awakenings. Young people who have overthrown corrupt or abusive institutions are equally capable of building new and better ones. Young voters should vote wisely, demand transparency, and support candidates committed to their promises. Individual action matters. Join or establish civil society initiatives that monitor local projects and initiatives. Use social media to highlight both successes and failures.
For far too long, power and nominations have been bought with money and patronage. The cost is visible in unfinished roads, unsafe highways, uneven services, and a frustrated citizenry burdened by broken promises. But this trajectory is not irreversible. Through transparency, accountability, merit, and sustained public pressure, we can create a system where parliamentarians are elected—and judged—based on their integrity and competence.
Md Ashrafur Rahman Bappi is Deputy Manager, Partnership and Market Development at AKIJ Resource.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.