Dhaka: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday emphasized the need for Bangladesh’s economic policy to be people-centred and inclusive. He highlighted the importance of creating equal opportunities for citizens from all walks of life to participate in economic activities during his address at a reception ceremony for newly appointed ministerial colleagues.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the finance minister stressed that the country must build an economy where participation from every segment of society is ensured. He stated that broader engagement would help bring meaningful changes to the overall economic landscape. Khosru articulated the necessity of establishing a level playing field in the economy to ensure that every citizen can contribute to and benefit from growth.
Referring to the changing public mindset after August 5, Khosru noted that economic policies and activities must align with the evolving expectations of the people. He emphasized the need to address the poor condition of state institutions as a first step towards achieving this goal. The minister called for recovering institutions and strengthening them, highlighting the importance of restoring professionalism, transparency, and efficiency across public bodies to ensure effective governance and sustainable economic progress.
Khosru also underscored the need to move away from a patronage-based economic model towards a more democratic and participatory one. He recommended deregulation and liberalisation, alongside efforts to diversify the economy beyond a narrow focus on manufacturing. He pointed out that sectors such as sports, culture, and other professions should be integrated into economic planning to create wider opportunities and generate new sources of income.
The finance minister provided an example by referring to the traditional ‘shital pati’ (woven mat) produced in Barishal. He suggested that if artisans receive training, access to credit, and online marketing facilities, they could develop new designs and produce a variety of products, potentially creating a large market and boosting their incomes.
During the event, Khosru expressed that the country’s economic framework should be developed in line with the 31-point programme of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He called for the establishment of a democratic economic system that ensures fairness and inclusivity. The finance minister sought cooperation from officials at all levels to move the country’s economy forward and implement reforms effectively.
Among others present at the programme were Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, Finance Division Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Mozumder, and senior officials from various divisions of the Ministry of Finance.