Describing economic reform as a long-term process not achievable within a short span, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised that while some reforms will be implemented during the current administration, future leaders will have to build upon this foundation.
“We shall introduce certain reforms, and those who come next will realise where the path begins,” he stated at a press conference held at the multipurpose hall of the Ministry of Finance in the Secretariat on Tuesday (19 November).
He remarked, “We have witnessed the dawn of our success. It would be incorrect to say that we have failed entirely. Our achievements are not insignificant. We shall leave an imprint—a footprint marking areas that will guide road-making efforts.”
Reiterating his earlier sentiment, he added, “Our efforts to build a welfare-oriented state are ongoing. Those who follow will understand how to construct the road from this point.”
Dr Salehuddin Ahmed also disclosed that the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have promised to assist Bangladesh’s gas sector.
“Previously, such commitments or offers of cooperation were not extended to Bangladesh. Therefore, this represents a significant achievement for the government,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the prices of essential goods, he noted, “Duties on onions and rice have been reduced. The common people are enduring hardship. Everyone has experienced the strain in the market. However, the situation will gradually normalise.”
Present at the press conference were Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Majumdar, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division Nazma Mobarak, and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md Abdur Rahman Khan.
