Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, finance and commerce adviser to the interim government, said the decision to withdraw Tk 1,000 banknotes must not be taken lightly.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after separate meetings with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Canadian High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls held at the Secretariat, Dr Salehuddin said, “The issue of Tk 1,000 notes is not a yes or no question. The matter should be shelved for now.
“This is not a problem, and such a decision cannot be made easily.”
When asked whether the possibility of withdrawing Tk 1,000 banknotes is a rumour, Dr Salehuddin said, “I did not say anything in this regard. So I will not comment on rumours. It is a matter of the Bangladesh Bank.”
In response to a question on whether the agreements signed with China last July will be maintained or reviewed, he said, “These matters have not been discussed. We will discuss them at a higher level. We did not cancel or change anything.
“These matters will be discussed in the cabinet.”
‘Proposed Chinese loan interest cut’
Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh has proposed reducing the amount of interest and extending the repayment period of loans taken from China at high interest rates.
He made the comment to reporters after meeting Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Canadian High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls separately on Tuesday.
Dr Salehuddin added, “We have spoken to two ambassadors. What we have started, we will continue.We will try to implement their projects. I have requested them to continue their technical and financial support to Bangladesh.
“They assured us they would provide elevated support. There might be issues, but we will quickly identify and resolve them. The money that will come in the days ahead should be utilised properly for the welfare of people. It should be utilised on time and quality should not be compromised in any way.”
