Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury believes that raising government employee salaries will help reduce corruption. Speaking at a post-budget press conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, the minister expressed optimism that higher salaries would curb corruption, as financial need often leads to corrupt practices. He noted that there has been no new salary structure for 11 years despite rising costs of daily necessities.
The Finance Minister also discussed the government's budget slogan, 'Democratization of the Economy,' aiming to bring the economy to the doorstep of ordinary people. He emphasized that the budget was designed with every individual in mind, ensuring no one is left out.
Several other ministers and high-ranking officials were present at the press conference, including the Ministers of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Health, Information and Broadcasting, Fisheries and Livestock, Education, and the Planning Minister. The Governor of Bangladesh Bank and other senior officials also attended.
The Finance Minister expressed optimism about job creation in the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting the importance of investment and skill development. He mentioned various projects aimed at enhancing workforce skills to make it easier for skilled workers to find jobs both domestically and abroad.
Regarding inflation, the Finance Minister clarified that it cannot be controlled through enforcement actions but requires proper policy and management. He attributed the current inflation to global market instability and the Middle East conflict, noting that inflation has been rising for several years.
He also addressed the capital shortage in banks due to looting and money laundering, which has increased funding costs and negatively impacted inflation. The Finance Minister emphasized the need to reduce business costs internally despite external factors influencing inflation.
