Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said that reforms aimed at restoring accountability in financial management, banking, and the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector will be completed by December.
He also said that reform efforts have been accelerated to overcome the structural weaknesses of ‘weak banks’ and restore client confidence.
The adviser made these remarks on Wednesday at the “SME Foundation-ERF Media Award-2025” giving ceremony in the Capital while addressing the programme as the chief guest.
Highlighting the need for reforms in the banking sector, the Finance adviser said, “Reform efforts are underway on weak banks. We need to ensure that clients’ deposits are returned.”
Stressing the complexity of financing in the SME sector, he said, “Entrepreneurs still have to suffer a lot to get loans, even though their loan repayment rate is very good.” He also said that banks are unwilling to coordinate in the sector.
He emphasised the need to enhance the use of technology in the SME sector and said that entrepreneurs must prioritise technology, as this era is increasingly driven by it.
During this time, he called on Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Finance and policymakers to take coordinated initiatives in this sector.
Expressing concern over the decline in women’s participation in SME projects, the Adviser said, “Women are not only skilled, they often manage better. Therefore, greater participation of women must be ensured. Empowerment should come not just through speeches, but through practical action.”
Addressing inequality in the current economic structure, Dr. Salehuddin said, “There is a structural problem in the banking sector. Yet we continue to allocate Tk 60,000 to 62,000 crore to the energy sector, while SMEs remain neglected. This imbalance needs to change.”
Referring to the need for efficient use of public funds and good governance in the tax system, the Adviser said, “Transparency must be ensured in financial management. Negative reports create problems for us.” He also pointed to various issues within the NBR and stressed the importance of preventing misuse of public money.
Referring to the positive trend in remittance inflow, he said that sustaining this momentum requires the development of skilled manpower and the expansion of employment opportunities.
This year, the ERF is presenting awards to 21 journalists from newspapers, television, and online news portals across various categories.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
