Negative news on NBR led to diplomatic hurdles: Finance Adviser

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed revealed that negative media reports concerning the National Board of Revenue (NBR) once caused significant diplomatic trouble, forcing him to personally write to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to clarify the situation.

Speaking as the chief guest at the SME Foundation–ERF Media Award 2025 ceremony held Wednesday in Dhaka’s Paltan area, Dr. Ahmed recounted the incident and emphasized the sensitivity of reporting on economic institutions.

"Publishing positive reports makes things a bit easier, but negative reports can create serious complications," he said. "We faced considerable trouble over reporting related to the NBR. Initially, the finance secretary wrote a letter, but the World Bank’s Vice President insisted on hearing from the final policymaker—so I had to write to them myself."

Dr. Ahmed added that the matter was resolved ahead of meetings with the IMF and World Bank. "Now the funds are coming in, and we are trying to make the best use of the money with integrity," he said.

Referring to ongoing reform initiatives, he stated: "We are here for a short time, until February. Regardless, we are committed to implementing key reforms by December—and that work has already begun."

He also expressed concern over a lack of public recognition for government efforts. "Many people say they see no positives in government activities—some of them were my students. If certain individuals were personally benefiting, perhaps they'd see the changes. We hear these kinds of remarks often," he said.

SME Foundation Chairperson Md. Musfiqur Rahman also spoke at the event, highlighting the need to increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the national economy.

"In countries like Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Pakistan, SMEs contribute 40–60% to GDP. In Bangladesh, the contribution is only 25%. It should have been at least 40% by now," Rahman said, adding that the goal is to raise SME contribution to 35% within the next five years.

Also present at the event were SME Foundation Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury and ERF President Daulat Akhtar Mala. The program was conducted by ERF General Secretary Md. Abul Kashem.