Dhaka, March 4, (V7N) - Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has highlighted the government’s special initiatives to boost rural employment and revitalize the economy. In a recent interview with BSS, he stated that the interim government is focusing on keeping mills and factories operational while expanding job opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Dr. Ahmed, a former Bangladesh Bank governor, emphasized that access to finance has been a major challenge for SMEs. The central bank has been instructed to increase lending to the Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs) due to their significant contribution to the national economy. Additionally, smaller projects in the Annual Development Programme (ADP)—including local infrastructure, bridges, culverts, and environmental initiatives—are expected to create jobs in rural areas.

While acknowledging that the economy has shown signs of recovery, he noted that the private sector remains cautious and is seeking financial support, tax simplifications, and eased import restrictions to regain full momentum. He assured that the government is addressing these concerns through simplified financial access, tax reforms, and relaxed import regulations for machinery and raw materials.

On the issue of money laundering, Dr. Ahmed revealed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Bangladesh Bank are actively investigating major companies involved in illicit transactions. A task force is gathering international data, and the government is collaborating with foreign partners, including a British firm, to track and recover laundered funds. Investigations are currently ongoing against 11 to 12 major corporations as part of this effort.

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