Dhaka: Dr. Sheik Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Rank of State Minister), Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, today emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive infrastructure plan that caters to both current assets and future requirements. He addressed this need during the Monthly Macroeconomic Insights (MMI) – A Post-Budget Analysis, organized by the Centre for Macroeconomic Analysis (CMEA) of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government at the PRI in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Moinuddin underscored the government’s strategic direction towards infrastructure-led development and macroeconomic stability. He articulated the ultimate aim of achieving sustainable economic growth through a coordinated plan that facilitates collaboration among stakeholders under a unified framework.
The event, as per a PRI press release, convened leading economists, policymakers, diplomats, and private sector leaders to engage in a detailed discussion on the fiscal outlook post the FY2025-26 national budget. Dr. Khurshid Alam, Executive Director of PRI, initiated the session by welcoming the guests and highlighting the significance of informed dialogue in shaping effective economic policies.
Chaired by Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of PRI, the event featured a keynote presentation delivered by Dr. Sattar and Dr. Ashikur Rahman, Principal Economist at PRI. Dr. Sattar pointed out the absence of bold trade policy reforms, which he sees as a missed opportunity to tackle the challenges posed by Bangladesh’s impending LDC graduation in November 2026 and the USTR’s reciprocal tariff demands. He stressed the necessity for strategic and urgent trade reforms to counter these external pressures.
Dr. Ashikur Rahman highlighted the challenges in mobilizing fiscal resources, which are affecting the stability of the financial sector and the resilience of the overall economy. Clinton Pobke, Australian Deputy Head of Mission to Bangladesh, also participated as a special guest, reaffirming Australia’s continuous support for Bangladesh’s economic progress.
The session included panel remarks from Ferdaus Ara Begum, CEO of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), and Rizwan Rahman, Former President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). They both stressed the importance of aligning budgets with the needs of the private sector and the role of regulatory reforms in fostering business confidence.
An open floor discussion allowed for active audience engagement on topics such as monetary policy, inflation management, and the digitalization of revenue administration. Dr. Sattar concluded the session with a vote of thanks, appreciating the participation of all guests and reiterating PRI’s dedication to evidence-based policy discussions.