Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has stated that the upcoming national budget for FY25 will prioritize employment generation, alongside continued reform efforts across various sectors.

"We need to significantly increase employment generation as part of our efforts to address foreign currency reserve issues," he emphasized.

The minister made these remarks after a lengthy pre-budget meeting for FY25 with prominent economists at the State Guest House Padma last night.

Ali noted that the eminent economists in attendance offered valuable suggestions, expressing confidence in the government's approach to addressing the current economic situation.

"While challenges exist, we've received commendation for our handling of the situation thus far," he remarked.

Regarding specific suggestions, Ali emphasized the need to continue ongoing reform initiatives across different sectors.

Responding to queries about publishing a list of loan defaulters, as suggested by economists, he commented, "We will explore what measures can be taken."

Additionally, Ali highlighted that the Vice President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has assured Bangladesh of further financial support.

Eminent economist and former central bank governor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stressed the importance of macroeconomic stability in the budget, advocating for increased allocations in education and health sectors while minimizing lengthy projects.

Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized the importance of controlling exchange rates and inflation for effective budget implementation.

Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD, underscored the necessity of prioritizing macroeconomic stability over growth in the upcoming budget, emphasizing the need for increased private sector investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

She also called for transparency in government policies and operations, urging for a contractionary budget to address current economic challenges.

The pre-budget meeting was attended by several economists and high-ranking officials, including Prof. Dr. Rehman Sobhan, Dr. Ahsan H Mansur, Mustafa K Mujeri, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder.