Economic reform is what we need the most: Finance adviser

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has stressed the need for economic reforms, highlighting their importance over political or other types of reforms.

Speaking at a seminar marking International Customs Day, held at the Revenue Building in Agargaon, Dhaka on Sunday (26 January 2025), he said, "We are discussing various types of reforms, including political ones. However, right now, economic reform is what we need the most."

During his speech, Salehuddin also addressed the slow pace of automation in revenue management. Referring to the Bangladesh Single Window project, he said, "Its activities began in 2017, but it took six years to complete. So, you can imagine the situation."

"We are now starting to implement it," he added.

He urged revenue officials to ensure efficient revenue collection. "Forceful collection of revenue is not acceptable, nor should there be any inappropriate means, such as collecting unjustified money under the table," he said.

"Businesses will pay taxes to the government, and they should be able to conduct business transparently," he added.

Addressing public criticism over rising commodity prices, Salehuddin said, "When rice prices increase, people talk as if they've gone up to Tk1,000. Some things may decrease in price, while others may increase."

He also responded to broader criticisms of the government, comparing it to a child that needs encouragement for its achievements. "If I score 70 out of 100, people should say, 'You did well, but you can do better,' instead of focusing solely on why it wasn't 100," he remarked.

Acknowledging the complexity of governance, he added, "We don't always reveal the whole story. Criticise us for bad work, that's fine, but also encourage us for the good work we do."

The seminar was organised by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and attended by FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, and the finance secretary.