Inflation combat works little as the Finance Adviser himself is dismayed by the persisting volatility in commodity prices despite government interventions, including import-duty cuts.
"A deep chaos has been created on the market. We faced wrath of people though we have lessened all duties on commodities. But price has not gone down. People have become impatient-and that is usual," said Dr Salehuddin Ahmed Wednesday.
The finance adviser of the interim government was speaking as chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 'PKSF Day 2024' at the auditorium of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in Dhaka's Agargaon area.
Mr Ahmed said he informed the chief adviser that controlling commodity prices is not a task of commerce ministry alone. There are many factors in this case.
He notes that people are feeling the pinch of high commodity prices. "They can buy some vegetables and a few products by spending Tk 500. We are trying to lessen the commodity prices."
Expressing utter disappointments, the adviser further said there is dearth of good institutions in the country. "No transparency and accountability are there."
Regarding people's fierce reaction on social-media platforms over the export of Hilsha fish to India, the adviser said permission was given to send only 3,000 tonnes of fish out of total catch of 530,000 tonnes.
"But some people also have praised us for the decision," he said.
The custodian finance said people would remember the present interim government when they leave because of their goods deeds.
He said in the entire world everyone makes good comment about the present government.
"None looked towards us with gloomy face. We went to the annual meeting of the World Bank and the IMF. We have become tired of holding meetings one after another in seven to eight days. Everyone wanted to talk with us."
Dr Ahmed mentioned whoever he talked with during the meetings, all of them showed positive response. "…all of our bilateral and multilateral development partners offered their hands of cooperation."
He notes that the country has immense potential and the farmers, labourers, and the readymade garment workers also have contribution to the country's economic development.
However, these people always remain at the backside and their aspirations are not fulfilled.
The adviser notes that the interim government has been carrying out short-term reforms and wants to the keep a 'footprint' to the subsequent political government on which they would move forward and thus carry out the long-term reforms.
He termed the PKSF as a model institution of Bangladesh and said other institutions in the country should follow it in terms of practicing honesty and transparency in its operations.
Dr Ahmed, who once served as managing director of PKSF for nearly nine years, requested the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) to be friendlier towards PKSF's Partner Organizations (NGOs).
Chairman of PKSF Zakir Ahmed Khan presided over the programme where its founding-managing director, Badiur Rahman, spoke as special guest. Foundation's acting managing director, M Fazlul Kader, delivered the address of welcome.
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