Mannan calls for 'ideal' economic model to bridge rural-urban gap

Outgoing Planning Minister MA Mannan has expressed reservations about the current model of "capitalism" in the country, saying that it has exacerbated rural-urban disparities and income inequality.
"This model isn't ideal for me," Mannan admitted to reporters on his last day at the Planning Commission on Thursday. "I believe it hasn't delivered proper justice to rural and low-income communities."
The departing minister talked about his efforts to shift the economic focus towards rural areas and the underprivileged.
"It's challenging to reach rural communities and low-income groups," he commented, "but as Planning Minister, I have managed to steer the economy somewhat towards disadvantaged people and regions."
Former bureaucrat MA Mannan won the first 9th national election in 2008. Then he won the 10th parliamentary election in 2014, the 11th in 2018 and the 12th in 2024.
In 2014, he became the minister of state for planning and later in 2018, the minister of the same ministry. However, he did not get a call to the new cabinet formed by the ruling Awami League after the 12th national election.
On the last day at the office, MA Mannan credited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for making initial strides towards rural inclusion. "For the first time, the prime minister has diverted some of capitalism's benefits towards rural communities."
To Mr Mannan, capitalism has two facets. While differentiating between the sides, he said there is an academic ideal, a positive side that is rarely seen. During the explanation, he cited examples from some Northern European countries.
"Then there is the exploitative, negative side, which is naked and bad … has taken root in Bangladesh, contributing to the rural-urban and rich-poor divide."
The outgoing minister also criticised the concentration of economic activity in Dhaka. "I oppose it. Other cities like Chittagong, Rajshahi and Sylhet are not being able to become bigger economies due to the current centralised development model."
While responding to queries about whether the country needs more mega projects, he replied in positive.
He advocated for further mega-projects, including a second bridge over the Padma River at Paturia-Dauladia or other suitable spots and the expansion of Bangladesh's railway network to double tracks. "...And we need 2nd Jamuna bridge too," he added.
He additionally expressed his disapproval of the government's merging of the economic and administrative cadres, claiming it has negatively impacted development processes.
"The government's mistake has had a detrimental effect on the administration's role in development," he concluded.

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