Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed says his first job will be to boost trade and develop good relations with business.
“My first challenge will be to boost foreign and domestic trade, build good relation with businesses and work for gaining quota-free market access and GSP facilities,” Tofail said after taking charge of the ministry on Monday.
The veteran Awami League leader was a commerce minister during 1996-2001 tenure.
He was dropped from the cabinet when the Awami League government formed government in 2009.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina got Tofail back to the cabinet like some other senior leaders while beginning her second successive innings in power.
Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed greeted the new minister around 10.30am at the Secretariat.He then interacted with reporters before entering his office.
Tofail was asked whether the government would complete its five-year term after the Jan 5 polls.
“A government is elected for five years. Normally it will want to complete its five years.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday she would take any step to maintain democratic process if a consensus is reached with BNP.
While drawing his attention to this comment, the Awami League leader said, “Many things can happen if there is an understanding. But if they stick to their demand for a caretaker government, there can be no consensus.”
Tofail, however, thanked the BNP for withdrawing nonstop blockades.
Source: Bd news24