Dr. Salehuddin identifies five key challenges for next government

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed outlined five major challenges that the next elected government must address to ensure sustainable growth, despite Bangladesh’s current economic stability.

He conveyed the findings while addressing reporters after a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat on Tuesday (February 10).

Dr. Salehuddin highlighted the challenges as follows:

Reviving Industry and Commerce: Reactivating industrial and business sectors is essential to boost employment and purchasing power.

Expanding Employment Opportunities: Strengthening SMEs is crucial for realistic job creation.

Controlling Inflation: Inflation cannot be managed by monetary policy alone; supply chains and energy prices must also be addressed.

Banking Sector Reform: Non-performing loans and lack of trust hinder a fully functional banking sector; bond markets and capital markets must develop for sustainable growth.

NBR Reform and Institutional Capacity: Structural changes have been made, but full policy reform is pending; the next government can utilize prepared guideline reports for implementation.

Dr. Salehuddin also flagged the energy sector as a future challenge, emphasizing domestic gas exploration, offshore drilling, and solar energy development. He noted that while Bangladesh has vast solar potential, progress has been limited.

Regarding repatriation of illicit funds abroad, he said authorities have identified the sources and countries, but recovery is complex and long-term, requiring strong coordination among government agencies.