Addressing the ongoing economic slowdown, especially for the marginal people, is one of the most pressing challenges facing the interim government before it moves to hold a national election following reform measures, said economist and social thinker Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, also former adviser to a caretaker government.
"The living conditions of the commoners are now very poor; the economic hardships they are facing are widening further," he said.
"The wheel of economy is not rolling at the desired level," he also said, adding that addressing the economic uncertainty should be kept under consideration while discussing issues like reforms and election.
Dr Zillur Rahman came up with the observations while speaking at a session titled 'Unity through which way' on the first day of the two-day national dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies (FBS) at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) complex in the city's Farmgate area on Friday.
Political analyst Dr Zahed Ur Rahman moderated the session while Brig Gen (retd) Mohammad Hasan Nasir, writer, academic and university teacher Dr Salimullah Khan, election expert Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and former president of the BKMEA Fazlul Hoque spoke, among others.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman also identified addressing the malpractices in politics and holding an acceptable election as other two major challenges for the country.
Fazlul Hoque said he believes that economic solidarity is somehow missing in reform measures, which have been in discussion in the recent months.
He also said the economic issues had been one of the pressing concerns that triggered a movement resulting to ouster of the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime.
"Mishandling the economy along with looting by the past government has been one of the key reasons behind the uprising against it," he said.
Economy is a major component alongside good governance to run a country, he said.
Members of the oligarchy looted the country's economy depriving the fortune of commoners, he added.
"If such lootings didn't take place, the country would have made much progress," he commented.
Salimullah Khan said an example of unity should be established in the country.
"We shall take adequate time to get united with some points; however, the timeframe should not be an endless one," he said.
Mahdi Amin, adviser to the acting chairman of the BNP, said the credit of ousting Sheikh Hasina government goes to everyone of the country.
People from all walks of life and political parties took part in the fight, he said, adding "We want valuation of all sacrifices, it is mandatory to establish a discrimination-free Bangladesh."
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