Paying govt officials may become difficult: Energy Minister

Bangladesh is currently standing in a 'rubble', said Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku. He warned that excessive debt could make it difficult to pay government officials in the future, requiring careful planning to run the country.

He made the remarks at an exchange meeting with municipality officials and employees at the Sirajganj municipality hall on Friday afternoon.

"Bangladesh is now standing in a rubble. So much debt has been accumulated that paying government officials may become difficult one day if we do not plan properly," he said.

The minister said development is not possible without proper planning. The government has presented a budget that does not impose excessive tax burdens on the people. However, the general public and the administration must work together to implement this budget.

At the event, the minister distributed six vehicles, including dump trucks, for use in the city's cleanliness activities.

Referring to his ride on one of the trucks, he said many would criticise him at tea stalls, but he did not get on the truck for show. He said he recalled seeing such vehicles cleaning roads 30-40 years ago and felt a sense of excitement, which prompted him to get on the truck.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the municipality's vehicles, saying everyone shares the responsibility, as the people are the government's guardians.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated the construction of RCC drains and roads in the Dhanbandhi Dobapara area of Ward 10 of Sirajganj municipality.

Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, Municipality Administrator Shahadat Hossain, Executive Officer Rafiqul Islam and District BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bachchu.