National budget to shrink in size for the first time
The interim government is set to present the country's 54th national budget on June 2.
Mahedi Hasan Murad
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
No penalty for project revisions; costs, deadlines increase without objections
Despite rules for penalties and accountability, the Planning Commission is approving project revisions without imposing any punishment for delays. As a result, implementing agencies are not held responsible, and projects are being revised without objections. Even if budgets aren't increased, deadlines are extended, reducing motivation for timely completion.
Despite initiatives, metrorail online recharge won’t be fully operational
Despite the growing reliance on Metrorail as Dhaka’s most efficient mode of public transport, the long-promised online recharge system remains out of reach for passengers. Commuters continue to face long queues at stations to recharge permanent passes or buy single-trip tickets, with no immediate solution in sight.
Budget implementation rate 24.84% in 5 months
The ousted Awami League government had proposed a budget of Tk 7.97 trillion for the ongoing FY 2024-25, which remains in effect under the interim government. The budget is primarily divided into two major segments: development budget and non-development (operating) budget. In the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year, total expenditures under these two segments stood at Tk 1.97 trillion, marking an implementation rate of 24.84% of the total allocation.
No respite from edible oil crisis, consumers in distress
Despite a drop in prices in the international market and an increase in imports and supply, the edible oil crisis continues in the local market. Consumers are particularly frustrated by the alleged artificial shortage of soybean oil, with traders either not selling it or charging higher prices. Many people blame the government for failing to control this ongoing chaos, which has persisted for months. With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, there are growing concerns over another price hike, yet the administration appears to have taken no effective measures to prevent it.
Metro set to add 2 more carriages, replace burnt parts in April
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which operates the metro, decided to add two carriages to each train. Although the plan to add carriages is tied to the extension of the Motijheel-Uttara route up to Tongi, the company is considering implementing it soon due to the growing passenger demand. However, along with addressing the manpower shortage, the burnt parts from the two stations will be replaced within two months.