Dhaka: Adviser to the Prime Minister on the ministries of Finance and Planning, Dr Rashid Al Mahmud Titumir, declared the government’s commitment to constructing a new Bangladesh in the global arena, founded on democracy, social justice, human dignity, and inclusive economic transformation through the collective strength of people from various regions of the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister’s Adviser, speaking as the chief guest at a function titled ‘Pre-budget shadow parliament keeping ahead the challenges of containing inflation in budget’ at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital, emphasized the government’s vision of a democratic, humane, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh. He highlighted the aim for a society based on equality, dignity, and social justice, where development opportunities are accessible to all citizens, regardless of class, gender, or geography.
Titumir addressed the challenges inherited from a fragile and devastated economy, acknowledging the severe financial stress faced by ordinary people, businesses, and the government. He noted that many lower middle-income families have fallen below the poverty line, deeply affecting youth aspirations, employment opportunities, and social stability. The country’s tax-GDP ratio, which remains below seven percent, was identified as a significant obstacle to achieving dignified national progress.
He expressed confidence in overcoming current economic challenges through coordinated fiscal and monetary policies, expanding employment opportunities, and restoring public confidence. The government, he stated, has a mandate from the people, who believe in their ability to transform crises into opportunities.
Titumir criticized the structural nature of inflation in Bangladesh, driven by oligarchic control in key economic sectors. He highlighted the need for economic democratization through broader public participation and addressed the impact of patronage-based policies and monopolistic practices in sectors like power and LPG, which have intensified inflationary pressures.
Addressing the employment crisis, he underscored the government’s priority to create jobs for youths and restore hope among the younger generation. He advocated for increased investment to generate jobs, savings, and future opportunities. Plans for balanced regional development, agricultural modernization, revitalization of wetland regions, and environmental projects like the Padma Barrage were highlighted as part of the government’s strategy for inclusive growth.
Titumir emphasized women’s empowerment, rural entrepreneurship, and small-scale industries under the government’s development strategy, including the ‘One Village, One Product’ initiative. He also stressed the importance of transitioning towards a sustainable, climate-resilient future, moving away from fossil fuel dependency, and promoting green development initiatives.
Criticizing past administrations for what he described as ‘loot and plunder,’ the adviser highlighted the importance of accountability, transparency, and effective use of public resources in ongoing and future projects. He announced plans to make data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics openly accessible to promote transparency and evidence-based policymaking, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring the free flow of information in a modern democratic state.