Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has attributed the recent rise in rice prices to what he described as excessive public spending on large infrastructure projects, particularly the Padma Bridge, arguing that the allocation of resources away from agriculture and irrigation has contributed to higher food costs. “Instead of reducing prices, we are now seeing rice prices increase by Tk20 while the country is paying the debt burden of the Padma Bridge,” he said. Sheikh Bashir Uddin further warned that unchecked public expenditure without corresponding income growth could create long-term fiscal risks. “Otherwise, people will ultimately be deceived.”The commerce adviser criticized the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government for undertaking what he termed “unnecessary mega projects,” alleging that several land ports built at significant cost remain largely non-functional. According to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the previous government prioritized expanding expenditure through large projects without adequate planning to generate corresponding economic returns.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 20, 2026 15:16 UTC