Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that the decline in business activities has led to increased unemployment in the country. However, the interim government is making efforts to address this through financial assistance and incentives in various sectors.
He made the remark while speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the secretariat on Wednesday.
He mentioned that various initiatives are being undertaken to create employment opportunities. Reducing the unemployment rate would also improve the overall economic situation. Discussions have taken place with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) regarding this issue, and BIDA is actively working on it, he said.
Regarding the closure of multiple businesses, the financial adviser remarked that many businesses shut down because of their owners from the previous administration. The government did not force any business to close; rather, factory or business owners themselves made such decisions.
He assured that efforts would be made to provide employment for workers from closed factories or businesses. However, the interim government cannot guarantee jobs for everyone, he stated.
He further stated that the country is not in a completely dire economic state. The main issue is a downturn in business, which has affected income sources to some extent. But the economy has been steered away from a path of total collapse.
The adviser acknowledged that new employment opportunities have been limited. The matter has been discussed with the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Steps are underway to revive businesses, as this is a crucial sector for the country’s economy.
Recently, the Bangladesh Bank was instructed to provide loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, some people are still facing difficulty, he admitted.
Regarding the prices of essential commodities, he stated that while they remain high, they have not increased compared to the previous year.
The finance adviser also stressed the necessity of ongoing projects under the Indian Line of Credit (LoC).
When asked about the possibility of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) crisis, he stated that there is no risk of a shortage. He added that LNG imports have been arranged in two separate consignments and assured that, regardless of the cost, the government will ensure an uninterrupted supply.
Translated & edited by Fariha Nowshin Chinika
