Confusion fades away as economy improves

Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has said every confusion has faded away as the country’s economy showed gradual improvement.

He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a pre-budget meeting with the members of the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) at the finance ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat, reports BSS.

The minister said the perceptions of those who had earlier thought that Bangladesh would turn into Sri Lanka, have proved wrong. “There was doubt and confusion over the economy, but that has gone away. Then the representatives of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) came to us and said they are waiting for our proposals since they have no crisis of funds.”

He said after getting such kind of assurance, it proved that there is no doubt and confusion over the country’s economy. “We’re preparing our budget this time the way it is usually prepared.”

Ruling out the apprehension of many people that Bangladesh would experience a situation like Sri Lanka, he said, “We’re still alive and going strong and working to prepare the next budget.”

The finance minister also said, “The country is moving ahead and all the commodities are available in line with the demand of the people. Of course, prices of some products are increasing while some are declining. The country is moving ahead the way a country is run in a free market economy.”

The ERF leaders headed by its president Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha and general secretary Abul Kashem handed over a set of budget proposals before the Finance Minister.

Later, the Minister assured the ERF leaders and its members of considering their proposals.