Dhaka, Jan 10 (V7N) — The country’s economic management is facing significant challenges, with rising inflation, weak revenue discipline and social stability emerging as major areas of concern, according to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The observations were made at a briefing titled “Bangladesh’s Economy: Multidimensional Election Risks”, held at the CPD office in the capital on Saturday morning.
Presenting an overview of the current economic situation, CPD officials said that controlling inflation through tight monetary policy alone will not be sufficient. They emphasized the need for comprehensive improvements in the market system, particularly in food supply management, which they said must be treated as a national priority.
The think tank also stressed the importance of restoring discipline in the banking sector, noting that weaknesses in financial governance continue to undermine economic stability. According to CPD, uncertainty surrounding private investment has increased, and this uncertainty must be addressed urgently to revive investor confidence.
The briefing further called for the swift formulation and implementation of reform laws, adding that the independence and authority of Bangladesh Bank need to be fully restored to ensure effective monetary and financial oversight.
Regarding recent reforms in the power and energy sectors, CPD noted that the outcomes have been mixed. High interest rates on bank loans have limited the effectiveness of these reforms and added pressure to overall economic management.
CPD warned that the economic challenges facing the next government after the national elections are likely to intensify, as the country’s economy is currently exposed to significant risks across multiple fronts.
The organization urged policymakers to adopt coordinated, structural reforms to stabilize the economy and safeguard social and economic resilience in the post-election period.
END/SMA/AJ
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