Prosperity will follow a stabilised economy: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government’s immediate priority is to stabilise what he described as a “fragile economy” before moving the country toward long-term prosperity.

“We first have to bring a fragile economy back to the right track. Only then can we move toward prosperity,” he told reporters after offering Eid-ul-Azha prayers at Darussalam Jame Mosque in Chattogram’s Kattoli area on Thursday morning (May 28).

Seeking patience from the public, the finance adviser said the government needs time to restore economic stability amid both global and domestic challenges.

“I appeal to the people of the country to give us some time,” he said, pointing to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the economic condition inherited from previous governments as major challenges facing the administration.

Amir Khasru also claimed that unlike previous years, prices of essential commodities did not surge ahead of Eid-ul-Azha and, in some cases, had even declined.

“Usually commodity prices increase during Eid-ul-Azha. But this time, as far as I know, prices have not increased; rather, some have decreased,” he said.

He added that the government is working to keep essentials within consumers’ purchasing power and expressed hope that inflationary pressure would gradually ease in the coming months.

The finance adviser further said the government remains accountable to the people and is committed to building a welfare-oriented state.

“We are an elected government and accountable to the people. We are moving toward a welfare state, and with everyone’s support and prayers, we hope to achieve that,” he added.