Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday expressed optimism about bringing down inflation "at a rational time", saying steps were being taken to curb the menace.
"Inflation has increased over the months due to various reasons. But it won't take forever. We will be able to reduce inflation in a reasonable time and it has already fallen to some extent," he said.
The adviser was speaking to reporters after a review meeting on inflation and food supply at his Bangladesh Secretariat office.
He made these comments in response to a barrage of questions after chairing a review meeting on inflation and food supply at the Finance Division Conference Room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Newly-appointed Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur, finance, commerce, food, and industries secretaries, the chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, and two central bank deputy governors also attended the meeting.
The adviser said the meeting discussed the overall production and supply chain situation of agri produce, fisheries and livestock to address the sectors' challenges and reduce inflation.
He said the supply chain would be managed effectively and measures would be taken to coordinate monetary and fiscal policy.
"Definitely, there is a need for coordination between the fiscal policy and the monetary policy...we'll have to stop wastage of funds and thus ensure fair use of both local and foreign funding," Mr Ahmed added.
He said inflation has also affected foreign investment. Foreign investors always monitor a country's investment climate and made investment decisions considering the inflation rate.
While replying to a query on market syndicates, he said the issue had not been overlooked, as secretaries and senior officials had been asked to identify shortcomings.
Meanwhile, the finance adviser also chaired another meeting on money laundering and terror financing on Wednesday afternoon, the first in two years.
Describing the issue as very important for the overall economy, Dr Ahmed said he has asked officials from various ministries and departments attending the meeting to work proactively and accordingly.
"We asked them to work fearlessly on this issue," he said, adding that steps were already underway against money launderers, including freezing their bank accounts.
The adviser said steps will also be taken to prevent the generation of black money. "If black money is generated, there is no level playing field."
Replying to another question, he said that steps would also be taken to repatriate laundered money.
syful-islam@outlook.com