Gazipur: Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed cautioned against approving unnecessary large-scale projects that could undermine debt sustainability. "Before approving any big project, we must assess whether the demand is justified, whether the project is feasible, and whether it promises long-term benefits," he said. The adviser made these remarks while speaking at a workshop as the chief guest, titled "Navigating Public Debt in Bangladesh," at a local hotel in Gazipur on Friday, according to a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salehuddin emphasized the need to translate strategies into concrete actions, noting that debt management is a shared responsibility involving the corporate sector, Bangladesh Bank, the bond market, and private actors. He stressed the importance of a collaborative approach among all stakeholders to maintain fiscal stability amid the volatile global financial environment. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity for real-time, integrated data systems to manage debt effectively, identifying this as a significant challenge.
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, attended the workshop as the special guest, while Secretary of the Finance Division, Dr. Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, presided over it. The event was organized by the Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS), Finance Division.
Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury emphasized the need for various ministries and departments to coordinate efforts in managing the government's debt. He urged all relevant stakeholders to convene soon to make effective decisions. Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder highlighted the importance of innovative planning in debt strategies to ensure fiscal sustainability, suggesting a shift from external to domestic borrowing due to diminishing external borrowing opportunities. He also advocated for increasing the number of skilled experts in debt management.
Presentations at the workshop were delivered by key officials, including Additional Secretary of the Treasury and Debt Management Wing, Hasan Khaled Foisal, and IMF Economist Arindam Roy. Moderators included Additional Secretary (Budget and Macroeconomics) Shirajun Noor Chowdhury and Additional Secretary (Macroeconomics-1), Finance Division Dr. Ziaul Abedin. The event saw participation from approximately 75 officials from the Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, Department of National Savings, Bangladesh Bank, and the World Bank.