The possibility of seeking additional support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be on the agenda when Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, along with key officials, attends the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group in October.
Dr Salehuddin said this on Sunday following a view-exchange meeting with UN representatives at his office in the Economic Relations Division in Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
He stressed that the government would prioritise its needs before taking on any loans, cautioning against extending short-term projects unnecessarily, which could increase the debt burden. "We're seeking support not to waste or misuse it," he emphasised, underscoring the government's commitment to responsible financial management.
Addressing the ongoing protests against various forms of discrimination, the adviser acknowledged the legitimacy of these concerns. "We can't ignore such discrimination. These issues have been suppressed for so long, and their woes have not been addressed. No one paid heed to them before, which is why we haven't deterred the protests," he remarked.
He also noted that he had to use the metro rail to reach the meeting due to the protests surrounding the Secretariat.
Dr Salehuddin explained that while the government is committed to addressing these issues, not all problems can be resolved immediately due to the complexities involved.
When asked about the outcomes of the meeting with UN representatives, he highlighted the government's commitment to equality-based development, with a focus on growth in women's rights, gender equality, health, and education.
"Our priorities are aligned with their programmes. We want the UN agencies to support us in our priority areas. It's not about accepting support for all projects they suggest," he clarified.
The adviser emphasised that the government aims for sustainable, equality-based development for the general population, with targeted support from UN agencies. He also noted that the government had requested special focus from the UN, particularly from UNHCR, on the situation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
Dr Salehuddin mentioned that the UN agencies shared ideas related to various ministries and divisions, which will be communicated to the relevant departments in due course. The meeting also covered discussions on post-flood rehabilitation operations.
ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and ILO Country Director and Ad Interim UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen were among the speakers at the meeting.
