Dhaka: Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today appealed for cooperation and blessings from all sectors to help the interim government transform Bangladesh into a better nation for future generations. ‘We’re doing good and we’re trying to ensure betterment of the country,’ he remarked during the Book Launch Ceremony of ‘Bangladesher Rajnoitic Orthonity,’ authored by Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who serves as Adviser to multiple ministries including Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways. The event was moderated by Dr A. K. Enamul Haque, Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), at the BIDS Conference Room.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ceremony was attended by influential figures such as Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Mostafa Sarwar Farooqi, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), and Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo, also addressed the gathering. Former Lead Economist of the World Bank Dhaka Office, Dr Zahid Hussain, along with renowned environmental expert Dr Ainun Nishat, shared their insights.
Dr Salehuddin claimed that Bangladesh has made substantial progress in various areas over recent months, despite challenges. He stated that the nation’s current position has been achieved by overcoming numerous barriers, and those refusing to acknowledge progress will fail to see the positive changes. He noted that without corruption and other issues, Bangladesh could have advanced even further.
Expressing optimism, Dr Salehuddin highlighted the government’s efforts to instil values of integrity in their initiatives, hoping that subsequent administrations will continue these reform processes. He emphasized that politics significantly influences economics, urging politicians to prioritize patriotism and a genuine passion for the country over the pursuit of power.
Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan commented on the challenges of implementing full-scale reforms within just one and a half years, stressing the importance of sustaining the progress made. Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan emphasized the increased focus on economic practice within the government, revealing that substantial corruption existed in the ministries he oversees. He announced a reduction of Taka 45,000 crore from their budgets, underscoring a shift towards transparency and competition in procurement processes.
Adviser Mostafa Sarwar criticized the unethical economic practices of the previous regime. Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman identified ‘corruption syndrome’ as a significant issue during that period, stressing the importance of overcoming it and achieving electoral milestones in the coming months. Dr Zahid Hussain highlighted the need to address challenges in the banking sector, energy scarcity, port efficiency, and the high cost of doing business through prudent policy support.