We are facing various challenges: Finance Adviser

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed commented that they are facing a range of challenges, beyond just those involving the Ministry of Finance. He stated, “Many people criticize us, call us incompetent. Criticism is fine, but externally, it doesn't create a good impression. It tarnishes the image.”

He made these remarks on Friday morning while speaking as the chief guest at the national round of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad 2025, held at Dhaka Residential Model College in the capital.

Speaking about the upcoming budget, Salehuddin Ahmed said, “There’s talk about various tax exemptions. The day after the budget is presented, many questions will need to be answered. But it's not easy to determine what's popular with the public or what’s socially desirable. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) couldn’t enforce everything they wanted this time. We've reached a solution.”

The event was presided over by the chairman of the organizing committee and former adviser to the caretaker government, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman.

Among those present were:Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Masrur Arefin, Managing Director (MD) of City Bank, Sheikh Mohammad Maruf, MD of Dhaka Bank, Mohammad Ali, MD of Pubali Bank.

Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman stated, “Economics is an applied science. That’s why we are trying to popularize economics from the school and college level. This year, there were 20,000 participants. Every year, the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad is becoming a focal point of attention.”

Fahmida Khatun noted, “Our growth has increased by 1% per decade. But not everyone has benefited from this growth. As a result, inequality has widened. This growth hasn’t generated enough employment. Youth unemployment has risen. Over the past two and a half years, people have been suffering from high inflation. If the economy is run with a one-sided political influence, society regresses.”

During his keynote presentation, Masrur Arefin said, “In the past nine months, there may not have been many achievements. But the injustices and irregularities in banks have been curbed. Money laundering has stopped. That in itself is a major achievement. However, political uncertainty is rising again.”

In this seventh edition of the event, 5 individuals out of 20,000 participants from across the country were awarded at the national level. They received smartphones and laptops as gifts. These five will represent Bangladesh at the International Economics Olympiad in Azerbaijan.