Planning meet today as PM to steer 9th FYP talks

After a nine-year hiatus, the prime minister-headed Planning Commission will convene today (Wednesday) to discuss public investment trends, the upcoming 9th Five-Year Plan and other key issues, officials said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also chairs the commission, will preside over the meeting, which is expected to be attended by commission members and senior officials, they said.

"The commission is likely to provide guidance for the formulation of the Ninth Five-Year Plan, covering the fiscal years 2026 to 2030," said a senior planning official.

The meeting will also talk about public investment trends, imbalances between the 8th Five-Year Plan and fund allocations. It may revise the guidelines for development project formation, processing and project revision, the official added.

The new Awami League government has already restructured the Planning Commission, establishing it as a nine-member body with the finance minister serving as alternate chairperson, the planning minister as vice-chairperson and six other members.

The previous Planning Commission meeting was held in 2015, officials said.

While talking to The Financial Express, a Planning Commission member said the Prime Minister is likely to provide some important guidelines on the Ninth Five-Year Plan.

"She may also provide additional instructions that will serve as a roadmap for the country's development, with the ultimate goal of achieving developed nation status by 2041," the member added.

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