Delta Plan-2100 is the reason why State Minister Shamsul Alam was arrested

Staff Correspondent

Dr Shamsul Alam is a prominent economist of Bangladesh and the State Minister for Planning. He served as the Senior Secretary of the General Economics Division (GED) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission for a long time and played a significant role in formulating the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. However, his recent arrest has sparked widespread discussion across the country. This report will provide a detailed discussion on his identity, his contributions to the Delta Plan, and the reasons behind his arrest.

Who is Shamsul Alam?

Shamsul Alam was born on 1 January 1951 in Matlab Uttar, Chandpur. He graduated in Agricultural Economics from Bangladesh Agricultural University in 1972 and obtained his master’s degree in 1973. Additionally, he earned an MA in Economics from Thammasat University in Thailand in 1983 and a PhD in Agricultural Economics and Food Marketing from Newcastle University in the UK in 1991. He taught at Bangladesh Agricultural University from 1974 to 2009 and joined the Planning Commission in 2009.

From 19 July 2021 to 19 November 2023, he served as the State Minister for Planning. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the ‘Ekushey Padak’, the second-highest civilian honour in Bangladesh, in 2020. He was a member of the Awami League’s advisory council, though he was never a Member of Parliament (MP).

Shamsul Alam’s Vision and Contributions to the Delta Plan

The Delta Plan is a long-term strategy to address climate change, floods, river erosion, rising sea levels, salinity, and natural disasters in Bangladesh. The plan was approved by the National Economic Council (NEC) on 4 September 2018, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shamsul Alam was the principal author and leader of this plan. His vision was to ensure sustainable development in Bangladesh’s delta region, integrating economic growth, environmental conservation, and climate resilience.

He identified six ‘hotspots’: coastal areas, drought-prone Barind region, haors and flash flood-prone areas, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, riverine areas and estuaries, and urban areas. He emphasised dredging rivers in haor areas to conserve rainwater and prevent sudden floods. Additionally, his plan included strategies to combat salinity, cyclones, and other natural disasters.

Under Shamsul Alam’s leadership, the Delta Plan proposed an annual investment of 2.5% of GDP, equivalent to $29.6 billion per year until 2031. He drew lessons from the Netherlands’ delta management experience, which has reclaimed 6,000 square kilometres of land. He stressed collaboration with international development partners and the private sector and proposed updating the plan every 5 to 10 years.

His vision highlighted the importance of integrating health, water, and sanitation. He stated, “The coronavirus is one reality, climate change is another. We must tackle these two issues together.” He emphasised ensuring public health through healthcare, safe water, and sanitation.

Reason for Arrest

Around 12:30 AM on 19 June, the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested Shamsul Alam from Mohammadpur in the capital. He was accused in a case involving the murder of Juba Dal leader Shameem.

The case alleges that on 28 October 2023, the BNP organised a grand rally in the capital. On the same day, the Awami League held a counter-rally aimed at disrupting the BNP’s programme. During clashes in Nayapaltan, Awami League activists and supporters, with police assistance, attacked the BNP rally, resulting in the death of Juba Dal leader Shameem. A case was filed at Paltan Police Station on 24 September 2024 regarding the incident.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque’s court ordered Shamsul Alam to be sent to jail in this case. He is also accused in several other cases related to the July mass movement.

The interim government led by Dr Yunus has launched a widespread arrest campaign against Awami League leaders and activists. Although Shamsul Alam was not an MP, he was a member of the Awami League’s advisory council and held important positions during Sheikh Hasina’s government. This could be a possible reason for his arrest. However, the police have yet to disclose detailed information about the specific reasons behind his arrest.

His arrest is significant in the political context. Despite being an expert economist and administrative official, his association with the Awami League has made him a target of the Yunus government. His arrest is seen as part of the interim government’s ongoing crackdown on Awami League leadership. However, the evidence against him remains unclear, making the issue controversial.

Dr Shamsul Alam is a key figure in Bangladesh’s economy and planning sector. The Delta Plan 2100, formulated under his leadership, is a far-sighted initiative to address the country’s climate crisis. His arrest has raised questions in the political context. Analysts believe that although he was not an Awami League MP, his affiliation with the party and his significant role in Sheikh Hasina’s government could be factors behind his arrest.