Dhaka, July 29 -- Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday directed the officials concerned to prioritise long-term national needs, accountability and public welfare in planning and implementing development projects, saying government spending must deliver tangible improvements to people's lives.

Speaking at a review meeting at the Secretariat, the minister said every stage of project formulation and implementation there should be focus on public interest, efficiency, transparency and long-term national priorities rather than short-term visibility or popularity.

The meeting reviewed ongoing projects and unapproved new schemes included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP)...