Finance Minister AMA Muhith said the economy might grow at 7% this fiscal year as political environment remained calm although the World Bank and International Monetary Fund projection is 6.8%.
He was speaking at a press conference at the finance ministry auditorium yesterday organised on his return home after attending the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York. He also attended meetings with World Bank and IMF.
“There is no hartal now in Bangladesh as people declined to support any such destructive programmes. This is a big step forward.
“So I hope the GDP growth will be better (than WB and IMF forecasts),” finance minister said.
He said: “Such rejection of violent politics is a big warning for the politicians involved in evil politics.”
Muhith said at the World Bank and IMF meetings the delegate emphasised more investment on electricity, infrastructure and connectivity.
Regarding budget assistance from World Bank, finance minister said it was an on-going process to get $500m from the global lender as the budget support in next fiscal year.
He also said the Taka-Bond would be issued in six months in the international bond market and the fund raised would be used in construction of the Padma bridge.