Budget, GDP growth targets may need revision: Muhith

Finance Minister AMA Muhith feels that the ongoing blockade and frequent strikes are sapping the country's potential and this adversity may lead to lower GDP (gross domestic product) growth for subdued economic activity.
"The impact of strikes are not only on budget, also on every place. People now can't work; how will the country develop? This is destroying country's potential. That's why I say Begum Khaleda Zia is enemy of the country," he told newsmen Sunday.  
Mr Muhith made the observation on the health of the economy amid the political unrest after a meeting with a delegation of Human Development Foundation at his secretariat office.
Asked whether the targeted GDP-growth rate would be pared down due to the current political events, he said: "Yes, it needs revision. The budget and GDP-growth target may need to be revised."
The finance minister said a report on budget implementation in the second quarter of the current fiscal year will be placed in a day or two in parliament. "The overall budget affairs of current fiscal year will be reviewed then."
Replying to a query regarding his previous comment that the ongoing political impasse would be over in seven days, Mr Muhith said: "It was my expectation."
He hastened to add: "Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is a sensible political party. They should have enforced sensible programmes, taking into consideration the possible impact on the country. But they are enforcing stupid (type) programmes."
To another query as to whether the government will take initiative to hold dialogue to resolve the current political impasse, the minister said, "I still believe that there is a solution. But I am not involved in dialogue or discussion process."
He urged BNP leaders to create pressure on BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for coming out from current type of political programmes.
"Khaleda Zia is not the only leader in this country. Other leaders of the BNP should pressurise her to shun such political programmes."
syful-islam@outlook.com