Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen called on Finance and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday. — PID No decision has yet been made to demonetise the 1000-taka banknotes says Finance and Commerce Adviser of the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, apparently to dispel speculations amid cleanup drives in banking-financial field.
He notes that taking a decision on withdrawal of the denomination from the market would not be an easy matter.
"Let them remain (in circulation). No problems are being created due to them," the adviser told newsmen Tuesday in reply to a query on rumours about withdrawal of the highest-value notes.
He said he had not said anything about this. "I won't comment on rumours. This matter falls under the jurisdiction of Bangladesh Bank."
The adviser was talking to newsmen after two separate meetings with Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yao Wen and Canadian High Commissioner Dr Lilly Nicholls at his secretariat office in the capital.
He said China and Canada assured him of continuing their support for Bangladesh in its development endeavours.
"We had talks with the two ambassadors. And, we urged them to continue their technical and financial supports. They assured us that they would do more than the usual," said Mr Ahmed.
He said they may have some issues which will be now identified and resolved. In the past, the projects were being delayed deliberately. "We assured them of looking into the issue."
The adviser said the previous government created some problems. Many unnecessary projects have been taken which has created economic pressure on the country.
About taking high-cost loan from China, the adviser said he had talks with the ambassador on high rates of interest. "We requested them to extend repayment period by 10 more years."
Replying to a query on large foreign loans created by the previous government, the adviser said that would create a big pressure on the economy. "We have to raise the issue with the development partners. We are discussing the matter within us."
Asked whether the government will reassess the deals signed with China this July, the adviser said the matters would be discussed in the cabinet.
Meanwhile, after the meeting, the Chinese ambassador, Yao Wen, told newsmen that the projects funded by China would continue as planned.
"This is my first meeting with the Finance and Commerce Adviser since the formation of the interim government. We had productive discussions. Our relationship with the interim government will continue. We will work together," he said. The envoy said he also discussed the continuation of the planned projects and about the potential of new financial support.
To a query on high rate of interest of Chinese loans, Mr Wen said Bangladesh has raised objections about the interest rates and scopes are there to further discuss this matter.
Meantime, central bank governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur also told reporters on the day that they have no plan to cancel the Tk 1,000 banknotes.
He urged all not to "spread rumours" on this issue.
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