জাতীয় উন্নয়ন প্রশাসন একাডেমি (নাডা)

Author: Najmus Sayadat, PhD1,  Md. Emtiazul Hassan Mazumder2

Abstract

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to bring macroeconomic benefits by accelerating a nation’s GDP growth and serving as a key driver of inclusive growth. The Bangladesh Public-Private Partnership Act, 2015 underscores the importance of extensive infrastructure investment by incorporating private participation alongside the government across various sectors. The Act also aims to meet the basic needs of the people of Bangladesh, expedite socio-economic development, and enhance living standards. Under the current regulatory framework for PPPs, out of the 78 projects in the pipeline, twelve are either fully operational, partially operational, or at the construction stage. For the projects that are fully or partially operational, it is crucial to understand whether they embody the key premises of being drivers of inclusive growth. Thus, this paper seeks to answer the following question: To what extent have these projects been successful in achieving inclusiveness? The term ‘inclusive growth’ promotes the idea that society can achieve a balance between economic freedom and wealth creation, as well as equal opportunities and well-being. This paper explores the perspective of inclusive growth in terms of equal opportunities and well-being from the standpoint of access to services. The study employs a mixed method research approach and case study as research strategies. Data and information have been collected from respondents on five operational and partially operational PPP projects in the road, port, health, water, and information communication technology sectors. Findings reveal that all the projects act as inclusive growth driver but with varying degree. It is expected that the research findings will encourage policymakers and implementers to adopt and implement projects through private investment, which will act as a true catalyst for driving the inclusive growth of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Public-Private Partnership (PPP), inclusive growth, access to services, equal opportunities, case study, operationalization 1 Najmus Sayadat, PhD, Joint Secretary and Member (Finance), Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board 2 Md. Emtiazul Hassan Mazumder, Consultant, PPP Authority