Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that fuel prices have increased significantly in different countries of the world and Bangladesh is still trying to control it. However, it is not possible for the government to bear this pressure for a long time.
He said this while talking to reporters after a multi-stakeholder consultation meeting organized at the NEC conference room of the Planning Commission in Sher-e-Banglanagar on Sunday afternoon.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “The energy crisis and disruption of the global supply system could have a long-term impact on the country's economy. Its impact will not be limited to the energy sector only, but will also affect the market of daily necessities including food, which will increase inflation in the long run.”
He also said, “The government does not want to suddenly create additional pressure on the people. But if continuous expenditure from government funds continues, it will ultimately affect the people. Therefore, in the current situation, there is a need to take economic decisions with great caution, so that on the one hand the interests of the people can be protected and on the other hand the long-term stability of the economy can be ensured.”
Stating that almost all the indicators of the country's economy are down, the minister said that the government is now trying to revive the economy. However, the pressure is increasing due to subsidies in the energy sector, rising prices in the global market and dependence on imports, he said.
The finance minister also said, “Although the country's current economic reality has raised new questions about the goal of graduating from the list of least developed countries, it is still not fully prepared to achieve that goal. The pressure of foreign and domestic debt, the risk of borrowing at high interest rates and the weakness of overall financial management has become major challenges for the country.”
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
