Reducing commodity prices first priority: Dr Salehuddin

Finance and planning adviser to the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said that facilitating trade and reducing the commodity prices is the top priority.

He said this while talking to reporters at the Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance on Sunday (August 18) noon.

"As an economist, I am confident that I can reduce prices immediately, leading to positive changes in the business environment," he said.

Dr Salehuddin said, "By maintaining production and supply while ensuring consistent market monitoring, we can decrease prices of daily commodities. The public will soon see the benefits."

“We are quite vigilant about business and trade including imports. Our colleagues are working,” he added.

Asked what he thinks about import-dependent products, he said, “We are dependent on imports, we know that. We are aware of the import inflation. We have to import essential goods as much as possible, so as not to put additional pressure on the market, consumers and common people. The pressure that is already in the market now, should also be reduced, we will put our efforts there.”

Informing about his meeting with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), he said: "The ADB has extended its congratulations to the interim government and pledged continued cooperation. The World Bank has also expressed its commitment to work with us."

"We have not stopped the activities of the logical projects of Bangladesh Bank and ADB. ADB and Bangladesh Bank have informed that they will continue the activities if they receive instructions. Apart from this, they will also assist us in the projects that are in the pipeline for the future.”

Asked if there was any talk about increasing the reserve, Salehuddin Ahmed said, "The governor is there to talk about the reserve. We didn't go too deep.”