Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed officials to simplify the project approval process. It sounds impressive—an investment-friendly environment, removing complexity, eliminating unnecessary ministries. On paper, it all reads like a textbook example of reform. But those who witnessed the BNP’s rule from 2001 to 2006 feel a familiar unease when they hear this language of “simplification.”
What does simplifying project approval really mean? In practice, it often translates into less scrutiny, faster signatures, quicker fund releases—and a smoother path for a certain portion of that money to end up in specific pockets. This is nothing new. During BNP’s earlier tenure, the country saw how “development projects” often turned into commission-driven ventures. People have not forgotten Hawa Bhaban. Those who secured major contracts back then knew exactly whose name to invoke, where to make contact, and what percentage to set aside.
Now the same family, the same party, the same mindset is back in power. The only difference is that an election was held on February 12, one in which major political parties did not participate. Voter turnout was minimal. The process appeared more like a staged formality than a competitive election. And on the basis of that formality, the current government now speaks of creating an “investment-friendly” environment.
There is talk of attracting private investment into closed state-owned industries and making access to loans easier. But easier for whom? Which investors will benefit? Experience from 2001–2006 suggests that such “opportunities” are usually reserved for those with connections to those in power—those with a history of financial contributions or party affiliation. Others are left knocking on doors until they give up and return home exhausted.
[Tarique Rahman’s “Investment-Friendly” Bangladesh: A New Formula for Faster Commissions]
At this meeting, figures ranging from the commerce and industry minister to the chairpersons of BIDA, BTMC, and BJMC were present. Where did these individuals come from? How were they appointed? The answers to these questions reveal who truly benefits from this push for “simplification.”
Most importantly, removing accountability may indeed speed up project approvals—but it also accelerates corruption. If “eliminating unnecessary ministries” means reducing oversight, then this is not reform; it is the smoothing of pathways for corruption. This is exactly what happened during BNP’s previous tenure: projects were approved quickly, implemented slowly, and often lacked quality.
Tarique Rahman is effectively running the country while based in London. And those tasked with implementing his directives have their own vested interests tied to the process. The entire system operates like a cycle, where commissions circulate until they reach their intended destinations.
People have heard this story before. The only difference now is that the characters are a little older.
