Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has called on South Korea, the world’s leading implementer of the project, to work out the process to avoid delays and additional costs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .He said the director did not change before the project was completed, adding that officials were jailed for promotions and delays if the project was completed on time in the country.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks in the presence of Ambassador Lee Jang-kun at a function in Dhaka on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s relations with South Korea.
He said, “When we start a project in Bangladesh, it usually does not end on time. I have many examples, the project was supposed to be completed in three years, but it took 10 years.
“Delays and delays in all our projects and the adjustment of costs result in additional government spending.”
He said the situation was similar in South Korea before General Park Chung-hee came to power. Park was president of the country from 1981 to 1989.
Momen said, “Since then they have introduced some rules. This includes that the project director will not change before the project is completed. Second, if the project is completed on time or ahead of time, the officer will get a lot of promotion and incentives.
“After all, if the project is delayed in time, the officer involved in the project will be punished; He will be demoted, even to jail. “
He noted that the “rule of thumb” of the General Park Act had helped the country to complete its project on time, adding that “South Korea is currently ranked number one in the world in terms of project implementation.”
“I urge our South Korean friends to share with us those approaches and processes so that the projects and contracting work can be completed on time.”
Most of the government projects in Bangladesh are not completed on time but the trend is to increase the expenditure through several amendments. Such practice is going on in all kinds of projects from small to big.
Thus, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed displeasure at various times over the rising cost of the project. He also instructed to find out the reasons for extending the duration of all the projects at different times.
Foreign Minister Momen highlighted the history of South Korea’s turn from a poor country.
“Sixty years ago, South Korea was a poor country, mainly dependent on agriculture,” he said. After reading Ban Ki-moon’s autobiography, I learned that during the war, South Koreans struggled to make ends meet.
“Even though the country is not rich in mineral resources, it has changed. They have done some wonderful work; Through overall management and commitment they have surpassed many countries in the world. It has become a land of magical progress. “
He noted that South Korea was at the forefront of the global trade facilitation index, adding that “they are the fourth largest trade facilitation index in the world. Far ahead of the United States. “
The Foreign Minister sought the cooperation of South Korea for further development, noting that Bangladesh is currently ranked 18th, eight steps ahead of the 16th position in the global index.
Bangladesh is 16th in this regard. In that case, we would like to ask our South Korean friends to help us improve our business. “
He also sought cooperation with South Korea, which has “close ties” with Myanmar, on the repatriation of Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh.
AK Abdul Momen said, “South Korea has very good relations with Myanmar. Their investment in Myanmar over the last few years has been significant.
“Considering the close ties, I urge South Korea to take additional steps and take active action so that the displaced Rohingya people can return to their homeland.”
South Korean Ambassador to Dhaka Lee Jang-kyun addressed the event titled ’50 Years of Korea-Bangladesh Relations: Presentation of Research at Dhaka University ‘.
Expressing hope for further expansion of cooperation between the two countries, he said, “Global political instability has exposed us to various regional and bilateral challenges. But by embracing these challenges, we can turn them into new opportunities. ”
The South Korean ambassador said that the new Korean government would announce new opportunities for the development of relations between the two countries.
The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korean Embassy in Dhaka and the East Asia Study Center of Dhaka University.
Among others, Ambassador of Bangladesh to South Korea Delwar Hossain and Founder Director of East Asia Center Professor Delwar Hossain spoke on the occasion
