“The finance minister is an honest man. He runs election but does not take money from anyone. He just manages to scrape by.
“Good people will not feel motivated to work for the country if an honest man like him is discouraged,” said Azad, who is the Chairman of Shahjalal Islami Bank and Managing director of Ha-Meem Group.
He was speaking on Thursday in presence of Muhith at a scholarship awards programme.
“I saw in the newspaper today that someone has questioned the honesty of the finance minister. I’m hurt," said Azad.
Barkat on Monday claimed the minister shut down the bank's CSR programme as his lobbying was ignored.
The following day, Muhith said Barkat was making such statements knowing his term as the bank's chief would not be extended.
On Wednesday, Dhaka University teacher Barkat questioned the finance minister's honesty and brought allegations of nepotism and lobbying.
Muhith said it was beneath him to answer the allegations.
"This finance minister has broadened the size of the national budget to Tk 2.5 trillion from Tk 820 billion, increased VAT collection many times.
"He has made the country's economic base strong by improving various indices," said the business leader.