Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasised that controlling inflation remains the government’s most pressing challenge, noting that once prices rise, reducing them becomes a complex task.

The adviser, however, assured that efforts to tackle the issue are ongoing.

Wahiduddin made these remarks during a briefing held after the meeting of the executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Monday (December 23).

He said, “While remittances have increased and foreign transactions are now balanced, inflation remains stubbornly high without significant improvement.”

Addressing the cancellation of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park project in Maulvi Bazar, Dr. Mahmud highlighted the government’s focus on eliminating unnecessary projects. He said, “We are revising the Annual Development Program (ADP) to keep the budget deficit within a tolerable range. Even with a smaller development budget, we aim to maintain growth, create employment opportunities, and provide direct benefits to the people.”

Regarding energy strategies, he outlined plans to reduce reliance on LNG imports by increasing domestic gas exploration. “Bhola and Sylhet have significant untapped reserves. With proper surveys, we can discover more gas. Unfortunately, the gas sector has been neglected, favoring imports instead. This approach will now change,” he said.

Wahiduddin revealed that he had written to various ministries and departments, urging them to identify regional issues and submit proposals. “With no members of parliament at the local level now, bureaucrats and advisers are actively visiting regions to assess needs. For instance, road repairs and renovations will be prioritised where necessary,” he explained.

He stressed the importance of integrating environmental concerns during the initial stages of development projects. “Moving forward, representatives from the Department of Environment must be involved during project planning. Their input will ensure minimal environmental damage while maximizing project benefits. Currently, their role is often reduced to simply approving or rejecting proposals after they are finalized, which is not effective,” he added.

Wahiduddin iterated the government’s commitment to adhering to international regulations in gas exploration and electricity production. “Gas extraction requires significant investment, but we are committed to continuing this work responsibly and sustainably,” he said.