Economy
Global Factors, Not Mismanagement, Behind Economic Challenges: Salman F Rahman
Salman F Rahman, the private industry and investment adviser to the Prime Minister, stated today that the challenges facing Bangladesh’s economy stem from global factors rather than domestic mismanagement.
Speaking at the One Stop Service (OSS) implementation progress review meeting at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s (Bida) headquarters, Rahman highlighted the impact of international events on the country’s economic situation.
“The country’s economy is facing many challenges. These are not due to our mismanagement but are a result of the international situation,” Rahman said. He emphasized that Bangladesh efficiently managed the Covid-19 crisis, but the problems began after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Rahman pointed out that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes led to a stronger dollar, putting pressure on Bangladesh’s reserves. “Prices of commodities, fertilizers, and fuel increased significantly, causing added stress on our economy,” he noted.
To mitigate these pressures, Rahman underscored the need for increased investment, both domestic and foreign. He stated that the successful implementation of Bida’s OSS could facilitate this investment. “We have received complaints that despite going online, people still need to visit physically and submit paper documents. These issues will be discussed today to expedite the remaining services,” he said.
During the meeting, Bida Executive Member Mohsina Yasmin presented a report on OSS implementation progress. However, journalists were asked to leave before the detailed discussion, which continued for about two and a half hours. After the meeting, Bida released a statement announcing that memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with 48 organizations, adding 101 services from 41 organizations to the OSS. Including Bida’s own 23 services, a total of 124 services are now provided through the OSS.
Mohammad Salahuddin, secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, stressed the importance of investment in overcoming current economic challenges. “We need to remove all obstacles to increase domestic and foreign investment, and everyone must work together for this purpose,” he said.
Bida Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Miah, who presided over the meeting, compared the investment service timelines of other countries, stating, “Vietnam provides investment-related services in 29 days and Indonesia in 48 days. We hope to add all investment services to the OSS in the next 2-3 months, enabling us to provide these services within a month.”
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
