FY26 budget targets waste, mismanagement: Energy Adviser

The proposed national budget for FY2025–26 reflects a strategic shift toward curbing waste, ending irregularities, and promoting disciplined governance, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said.

Describing the Tk7.90 trillion budget as “exceptional,” Kabir said it breaks from the past pattern of unchecked expenditures.

“This is not a typical budget. It’s designed to reduce waste and inefficiency across the system,” he told reporters during a post-budget press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday (3 June).

The press event, organised by the Ministry of Finance, followed the interim government’s budget announcement amid its ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy after the July political transition.

Kabir highlighted significant reforms in the energy and transport sectors, saying, “We’ve reduced prices for electricity and LPG to ease the burden on consumers. Although LPG is imported at Tk65 per unit, it is now being sold at Tk30.”

He added that pricing inconsistencies and mismanagement in fuel distribution are being addressed. “We’ve revised prices of both LPG and petroleum products to ensure greater rationality in the energy market,” he said.

Turning to the transport sector, Kabir acknowledged efforts to clamp down on extortion and unfair fare hikes.

“Some bus operators were charging passengers illegally. Action has already been taken in several cases. We are determined to bring order to the roads and reduce extortion significantly,” he said.

The adviser stressed that the government is focused on pragmatic, citizen-focused development instead of politically driven expansion.

“We are not pursuing flashy projects or political optics. Our goal is accountable, planned development that delivers real value to the public," he added.