Bangladesh has not failed in 54 years: Finance Adviser

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said that Bangladesh has not failed in its 54 years of independence.

He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at the Banking Almanac launch at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday (January 10).

“Viewing Bangladesh entirely negatively is not accurate. Over 54 years, we have faced many ups and downs, but we have continued to move forward,” he said.

Dr. Ahmed noted that the current challenges are not the result of any single government or individual but part of a long-term development process. He stressed that

The adviser said the current challenges are the result of long-term development dynamics, not the responsibility of any one government or individual, and called for continued collaborative efforts to secure a stronger future.

Referring to Singapore as an example, he said Bangladesh should not expect to become like Singapore overnight, but with sustained effort and patience, a stronger Bangladesh is achievable.

He also emphasised that policymaking must prioritise the country’s overall interest rather than popularity. “Policy decisions cannot satisfy everyone, and mistakes are possible. Policy is for the whole nation, not for individuals,” he said.

The Adviser highlighted the pressures of policymaking, noting that demands for lower interest rates or taxes are common, but decisions must consider the broader national picture.