ADP implementation improves slightly

Bangladesh's development-budget execution has shown modest improvement in the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26), with public agencies completing just over 30 per cent of planned spending in the first eight months.
However, the overall pace remains below pre-2024 levels, as weak performance in several key sectors continues to weigh on implementation despite signs of recovery from last year's disruptions.
This marks a marginal increase from the 29.87-per-cent Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation rate recorded during the same period in FY2024-25, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the latest data released by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), total ADP expenditure for the July-February period stood at Tk 633.27 billion, representing 30.31 per cent of the total Tk 2.089 trillion ADP budget.
Weak performance by the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Technical and Madrasa Education Division, Railway Ministry, Roads and Highways Division, and Health Services Division has held back overall progress compared to the years before the July 2024 political upheaval.
In FY24, the ADP execution rate stood at 33.65 per cent, while it was 34.74 per cent in FY2023 and 38.60 per cent in FY2022, according to IMED data.
During the July-February period of FY2026, implementation rates were 20.76 per cent for the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, 20.79 per cent for the Railway Ministry, 24.59 per cent for the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, 25.12 per cent for the Roads and Highways Division, and 21.08 per cent for the Health Services Division.
Although the implementation rate has improved, the total amount spent is Tk 42.26 billion lower than the Tk 675.53 billion recorded during the same period in the previous year.
IMED officials said FY25 was marked by significant administrative disruptions following the fall of the Awami League government in 2024.
This political transition led to instability, with several project directors and contractors leaving their positions, directly affecting the progress of development projects.
Despite these challenges, overall expenditure was higher last year due to a larger allocation of Tk 2.26 trillion, compared with this year's revised allocation of Tk 2.09 trillion.
The report highlights varying levels of performance across ministries and divisions in FY2026.
The Ministry of Science and Technology recorded a high implementation rate of 70.74 per cent, followed by the Ministry of Food at 62.13 per cent and the Cabinet Division at 64.21 per cent.
The Local Government Division, which received the largest allocation of Tk 377.09 billion, implemented 41.62 per cent of its budget.
The Road Transport and Highways Division reached 25.12 per cent implementation, while the Power Division stood at 36.88 per cent.
Some sectors showed slower progress, including the Public Security Division at 3.79 per cent and the Internal Resources Division at 7.51 per cent.
IMED data for February alone shows a notable increase in activity. Development expenditure in February 2026 reached Tk 127.71 billion (6.11 per cent of total allocation), nearly double the Tk 76.76 billion (3.39 per cent) spent in the same month of the previous year.
The total number of projects under the ADP for FY2026 stands at 1,359, including 1,145 investment projects and 121 technical assistance projects.