Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said Bangladesh’s economy has once again been turned around from a difficult situation, attributing the achievement to the country’s private sector-led growth model.
“Bangladesh has been unfortunate that whenever the BNP comes to power, it inherits the country at a time when the economy is in a devastated condition. The good thing is that we have been able to turn around the economy like in the past, even after taking responsibility during difficult times,” he said.
Government’s Role in Facilitating Growth
The minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Biannual Economic State in FY2026: Fiscal & Monetary Perspective and Private Sector Expectations” as the chief guest organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its auditorium today. The Finance Minister said the private sector growth is one of the founding principles of the BNP’s economic philosophy, with the government’s role being to facilitate private-sector-led economic activities.
“The Prime Minister’s economic philosophy is that Bangladesh will have a private-sector-driven economy, where the private sector will drive growth and the public sector will facilitate that process. We are trying to do that together with all of you,” he said. Emphasizing on attracting more investment, Khosru said there is “no way out” of the current economic challenges without increasing investment.
Addressing Key Economic Challenges
The minister acknowledged that many obstacles to investment and ease of doing business are deeply rooted and cannot be removed overnight. He said the government is working to reduce regulatory barriers and has formed a committee and planned a dedicated website through which businesses can report obstacles they face in implementing deregulation decisions.
Regarding the energy crisis, Khosru said the government inherited a difficult situation and cannot resolve the electricity and gas shortages within a day. Negotiations are underway for two or more floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), while work is also progressing to increase gas reserves. He said the government had inherited energy reserves of barely 15-17 days, which have now been increased to around one month, with a target of building reserves equivalent to three months.
On banking sector reforms, the finance minister said the government has introduced a package for businesses affected by circumstances beyond their control, including rescheduling facilities, grace periods, and exit options for those wishing to leave businesses. He also mentioned a Tk 60,000-crore financing package for small and medium enterprises, saying political influence would not be allowed in the disbursement of loans.
Khosru said the government is also working to bring artisans, cottage industries, sports, entertainment, theatre, music, and other creative sectors into the mainstream economy under its concept of “democratisation of the economy.” He said support would include credit, skills development, design, branding, and marketing facilities, including opportunities to sell products globally through online platforms.
