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Published : 04 Aug 2025, 11:03 PM
Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed has compared Bangladesh’s financial recovery to a journey from ICU to cabin, and now finally home, signalling steady progress.
At a Bangladesh Bank event on Monday marking the July Uprising anniversary, he said the country’s economy has “significantly improved and is ready to move forward”.
Governor Ahsan H Mansur also spoke at the event.
Salehuddin pointed out that the long-standing “lack” of a level playing field in business, politics, banking and media had bred inequality and corruption.
He said “nepotism” was widespread, with politicians owning banks or media outlets, creating an unregulated system.
The advisor added that inequality, corruption and systemic decay have harmed both the economy and society, limiting opportunities for entrepreneurs, youth and the middle class.
He noted that the government and policymakers are working to remove these obstacles. “We are clearing the blockages accumulated over 15 years.
“Though reforms are difficult, we have to start.”
He highlighted that Bangladesh Bank and other bodies are taking positive steps to build a framework that future governments can follow.
‘INTELLECTUALS WERE NOT BY THE SIDE DURING UPRISING’
Bangladesh Bank chief Mansur reflected on the July 2024 Uprising, saying intellectuals did not support it as they had in earlier movements in 1969 and 1971.
“This time they were divided and engaged in internal factionalism.”
He expressed hope that Advisor Salehuddin would fully support Bangladesh Bank in its efforts to revive the financial sector.
Mansur said inflation must be brought down to between 3 and 5 percent from the current level of over 8 percent.
“We are advancing several reforms. If others can do it, why can’t we?”
He also said the government would adopt and implement the Bank Company Act. “If these reforms succeed, the face of the financial sector will change.
“Through this, we can take the country to a stronger position,” he added.
