We must build a self-reliant economy: CA Yunus

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has urged Bangladesh to move away from dependency and build a self-reliant economy, calling it essential for true national freedom.

“We can no longer remain dependent. We must focus on freeing ourselves from it as quickly as possible,” he said while presiding over a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Bangladesh’s smooth and sustainable graduation from LDC status, held at his Tejgaon office on Wednesday (October 8).

Dr. Yunus stressed that independence begins with self-sufficiency. “We have to build a self-reliant economy to free the nation from servitude. There is no alternative,” he declared.

Highlighting youth and creativity as Bangladesh’s greatest assets, he added, “Self-reliance requires changing our habits, applying intellect, and working with persistence and passion. Though challenging, it brings fulfillment. The ‘New Bangladesh’ we speak of is a self-reliant one—this nation has the strength to stand on its own feet.”

The meeting was attended by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, Agriculture Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, among others.

Senior officials from the Economic Relations Division, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, and business leaders including Mahmud Hasan Khan (BGMEA), Mahbubul Alam (FBCCI), Taskin Ahmed (DCCI), and Abdul Muktadir (BAPI) also present there.