The nation's economic situation is not as alarming as portrayed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), though challenges remain, stated Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed.
"IMF's concerns but maintained that the country's economy, though under strain, is not in a critical state," he said during a media briefing at the secretariat on Thursday (19 December).
Earlier, Chris Papageorgiou, head of the IMF delegation currently visiting Bangladesh, expressed disappointment over the nation's economic outlook.
He highlighted the persistent high inflation rates, which he noted exceed IMF projections, and raised concerns over the sustained rise in food prices in Bangladeshi markets.
IMF urged the interim government to adopt effective measures to curb inflation and reduce commodity prices.
In a related statement, Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that no funds would be allocated to cover wages for workers of the Beximco Group. "A decision has already been made that no further funds will be provided for paying workers’ wages," he said.
The adviser also clarified that previous wage payments had been made directly to workers' bank accounts to avert potential street protests.
Beximco Group’s industrial units were recently declared laid off due to a lack of orders and substantial loan defaults under the company’s name.
Meanwhile, Energy and Power Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan announced that new gas connections for industries would be approved if businesses agreed to pay bills equivalent to the cost of importing LNG.
These developments underscore the complexities of navigating economic challenges amidst global uncertainties and local industrial setbacks.
