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DHAKA, Dec 02, 2024 (BSS) - The government could prioritise developing a two-year mid-term planning format, designed to be flexible and extendable as needed.

“This approach would facilitate the preparation of a Mid-Term Budgetary Framework (MTBF) while ensuring policy continuity, predictability, and credibility – key to maintaining trust with international development partners, lenders, and stakeholders,” said the report.

Head of the committee and distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya revealed the findings of the 399-page report at a press conference held at the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area today. Other Committee members were present.

The report said with the suspension of the 8th Five-Year Plan (2020-2025), it is critically important that an independent and substantive evaluation of the goal delivery during the elapsed plan period is undertaken.

As the interim government is expected to have a limited tenure, putting out a five-year plan may not be realistic. However, a medium-term outlook (2-3 years) is necessary for budgetary predictability as well as for managing international development finance.

The report said the mid-term strategy should provide a developmental roadmap that aligns with national priorities while maintaining the flexibility to address emerging challenges.

Such a format would also strengthen engagement with international development partners, ensuring that external assistance is directed towards key areas, including infrastructure development, social sector investments, and environmental sustainability.

By aligning domestic priorities with international support, the mid-term planning format would not only give predictability to enhance Bangladesh's developmental trajectory but also build a strong foundation for long-term partnerships and progress.