Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has warned that the next two years will be difficult to bring the country's fragile economy back to a stable state. He said that the current situation of the economy and trade is not possible to improve quickly.
However, through necessary reforms and policy measures, stability will return within two years and the economy will gain new momentum later.
He made these remarks as chief guest at a discussion titled “Beyond Numbers, Shaping Bangladesh's Future: Proposed National Budget 2026-27” organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) on Monday.
The minister said: "I am saying in advance that the next two years will be difficult. Everyone will have to suffer a little during this time. The government will provide policy and social support to maintain the normal life of the people. But it will take time to reach a stable economy from a fragile economy."
"If I say that all the problems will be solved tomorrow morning, then it will not be realistic. It will take at least two years to stabilize the current economy. The economy will turn around in the third year and in the fourth and fifth years we will see the picture of a prosperous Bangladesh."
He said that qualified, independent and professional people have been appointed to the capital market regulatory body. At the same time, necessary reforms are being made in the laws and regulations so that the confidence of domestic and foreign investors increases and transparency is ensured in the market.
Chowdhury said: "The world's major investment institutions have already started showing interest in Bangladesh. Various international financial institutions including JP Morgan have expressed interest in investing. Major opportunities will be created in the capital market in the next two years."
He stressed on simplifying the regulation and approval process in business and trade as part of the economic reforms.
He said: “Deregulation or reducing unnecessary regulation is one of the government’s biggest initiatives. I know that there will be various obstacles in implementing it. But we are ready to take tough decisions in the interest of the country.”
The Finance Minister also raised the issue of digital economy at the event. He said that several global platforms, including international online payment service company PayPal, are going to start operations in Bangladesh. As a result, it will be easier for freelancers, startup entrepreneurs and content creators to bring foreign income into the country.
He said, “We want to open up all kinds of opportunities in the digital economy for the young generation. The process of bringing foreign income into the country has been simplified. International payment platforms have been invited to come to Bangladesh, and many institutions have already responded.”
Emphasizing the democratization of the economy, Amir Khasru said: “The success of the economy cannot be judged by growth or export numbers alone. If the participation and welfare of the common people is not ensured, that development has no meaning. Therefore, the government wants to build an economic structure where small entrepreneurs, cottage industries, creative professionals and marginalized communities will also get equal opportunities.”
The program was presided over by CGS President Zillur Rahman and was attended by economist Selim Jahan, BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez, Transcom Limited CEO Simin Rahman and representatives from various sectors
