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Speaking to reporters after a multi-stakeholder consultation at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he said the country still faces significant challenges, including rising external and domestic debt, risks from high-cost borrowing, and weaknesses in overall financial management.
The meeting reviewed Bangladesh’s preparedness for graduation based on an independent assessment.
The minister warned that the ongoing energy crisis and global supply disruptions could have prolonged impacts on the economy, extending beyond the energy sector to food and other essential commodities, thereby fuelling inflation. Although Bangladesh has so far tried to contain domestic price adjustments despite rising global fuel prices, such pressure may not be sustainable over the long term, he added.
He said the government is trying to avoid imposing sudden burdens on people, but continued pressure on public funds would ultimately pass through to consumers. “Decisions must be taken cautiously to balance public welfare and macroeconomic stability,” he said.
Describing the situation as one of “daily crisis management”, he said most economic indicators remain under stress. The government is working to stabilise the economy, but pressures persist due to energy subsidies, higher global prices, and import dependence.
Khasru emphasised the need to strengthen economic capacity through reforms and efficiency improvements to place the economy on a stronger footing.
The minister said there remains scope to defer the graduation timeline, during which the government plans to strengthen key macroeconomic fundamentals. If reforms are implemented within the stipulated timeframe, LDC graduation could become a realistic target, he added.
Among others, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, the prime minister’s economic affairs adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman, UN Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima, and State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki were present.
Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/bangladesh/inflation-down-to-871pc-in-march
