A seminar on the economic situation for the months of February and March was held at the PRI’s own office in Banani, Dhaka, today. Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB), was the chief guest. Photo: Prothom Alo
The government has started printing new money, said Ashikur Rahman, chief economist at the Policy Research Institute (PRI). He said that in March alone, the government borrowed Tk 20,000 crore from Bangladesh Bank. This is high-power money, printed money. In other words, inflation may increase due to its impact.
PRI Chief Economist Ashiqur Rahman said this at a seminar organized at the PRI’s own office in Banani, the capital, on Thursday to review the economic situation for February and March. International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB) President Mahbubur Rahman was present as the chief guest. PRI Chairman Zaidi Sattar presided over the seminar.
While presenting the keynote paper at the seminar, Ashikur Rahman said, “It will be suicidal if we backtrack on reforms. I hope the government will review the bank resolution. By backing away from reforms, the government has created unnecessary tension with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).”
In his speech as the chief guest, Mahbubur Rahman said, “There is currently a dilemma among businessmen regarding investment. They are wondering whether they will get gas and electricity or not. The government and businessmen need to work together.”
Zaidi Sattar said, “Energy has an impact on the prices of everything. The Hormuz issue is putting pressure on the global economy. Therefore, the elected government must move towards major reforms.”
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