CPD Criticizes Govt's Inflation Reduction Target As Unrealistic

In a recent post-budget briefing held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the capital, Dr. Fahmida Khatun, the Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), voiced skepticism regarding the government's fiscal plans for the upcoming year.

Dr. Khatun criticized the government's target of reducing inflation to 6.75 percent in the fiscal year 2024-25, citing it as unrealistic given the current economic landscape. She emphasized that this ambitious target, down from the existing 9 percent, may not be attainable.

Moreover, Dr. Khatun expressed concerns about the overall ambition of the proposed budget, stating that it may fall short in meeting various economic indicators. She pointed out that crucial measures to address ongoing economic challenges were overlooked in the budget for the financial year 2024-25.

Specifically, Dr. Khatun highlighted deficiencies in strategies aimed at curbing inflation and providing relief to vulnerable groups, such as the poor and individuals with fixed incomes.

The CPD Executive Director's remarks underscored the need for a more comprehensive approach to economic planning, urging policymakers to consider alternative strategies to effectively address the nation's economic concerns.