Fahmida Khatun has urged the government to phase out universal fuel subsidies and instead provide targeted support for farmers, irrigation, and public transport.
Speaking at a debate program organized by Debate for Democracy in Dhaka recently, the Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue said the state lacks the capacity to continue universal subsidies and stressed the need for transparency in fuel pricing.
She alleged that despite monthly price adjustments under IMF conditions, authorities often retained profits instead of reducing fuel prices in line with global market declines.
Fahmida also called for reducing corruption, increasing investment in energy infrastructure, expanding fuel storage capacity, and accelerating domestic gas exploration.
Highlighting broader economic concerns, she warned that declining exports, weak private investment, and low foreign direct investment were slowing job creation and weakening economic stability.
