Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has expressed concern over the decline in new employment opportunities, citing disruptions in business activities as a major factor. While acknowledging the challenges people are facing due to reduced income, he assured that the overall economy is not in a crisis. Dr Ahmed emphasised that despite the setbacks, the interim government has played a pivotal role in stabilising the economy and is actively working to rejuvenate business activities.
Dr Ahmed made these remarks while briefing the media after the meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Cabinet Division, Bangladesh Secretariat, on Wednesday.
Dr. Ahmed also pointed out that new employment opportunities in the country have decreased. This decline has been attributed to the reduction in infrastructure development and other projects. He mentioned that this issue has been discussed in a recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). However, he reassured that the government is actively working to revive business activities. Additionally, the Bangladesh Bank has been instructed to increase the flow of loans in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector to stimulate growth.
Admitting that people are facing some difficulty, the Finance Advisor stressed the urgent need for the creation of new employment opportunities. He emphasised that addressing this issue is a priority for the government.
In response to questions about measures being taken to create new job opportunities, Dr Ahmed explained that the Annual Development Program (ADP) has been revised. Regarding the closure of factories in the garment sector, he assured that the government is providing cash incentives in certain cases and working to keep the sector operational through various support measures.
Addressing the closure of 14 factories under the Beximco Group, Dr Ahmed described the situation as unique and confirmed that the government has taken responsibility for resolving the issue. Efforts are underway to ensure that workers receive their dues, and discussions with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) are ongoing to find alternative employment for the affected workers.
On the subject of projects financed by India’s Line of Credit, the Finance Advisor mentioned that there are no plans to halt these projects for the time being. He emphasised that decisions regarding such projects are made with careful consideration of the country’s economic interests. He assured that these projects would not be canceled hastily.
Finally, Dr Ahmed reassured the public that there will be no electricity shortages during the upcoming summer. He stated that both industrial and residential sectors will not face power issues, alleviating concerns about potential disruptions.