Country’s renowned economist and former Adviser to the caretaker government Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 10, 2026 (BSS) – Country’s renowned economist and former Adviser to the caretaker government Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman today said that Bangladesh’s foremost economic challenge is no longer whether the economy is moving forward, but whether it is progressing fast enough to meet national aspirations.

Dr Rahman said that while “moderate progress” may be acceptable for some countries, but Bangladesh must aim higher. “For Bangladesh, speed is the key policy concern,” he said, urging collective action to accelerate reforms and ensure faster, inclusive, and sustainable economic advancement.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said this while chairing the publication ceremony of the 7t edition of the ‘Banking Almanac’ at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre (ground floor) in the capital today.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed spoke at the event as the chief guest.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman noted that Bangladesh’s economic fundamentals have improved over time, moving from a fragile position towards greater stability. However, he cautioned that this alone is insufficient in a rapidly changing global and regional environment.

To answer the widely asked question—“How is the economy doing?”—he proposed five key dimensions and corresponding priorities:
First, he highlighted the need to further consolidate economic fundamentals, particularly by strengthening banking-sector governance and safeguarding reserves.

Second, he emphasized rebuilding and sustaining confidence among economic actors, including entrepreneurs, farmers, and small producers, noting that confidence is crucial during periods of political and economic transition.

Third, he called for greater economic democracy, ensuring that small and medium enterprises and household-based economic actors receive adequate policy, financial, and institutional support.

Fourth, Dr Rahman underscored the importance of improving economic ease of daily life, pointing to inflation control, supply-chain efficiency, and effective policy implementation as continuous challenges.

Fifth, he stressed stronger economic governance, including improved data quality, professionalism, consistent monitoring, and meaningful stakeholder consultation in policymaking.

Dr Rahman, also Acting Chairman, Board of Editors, Banking Almanac, observed that Bangladesh has made notable progress in data availability and institutional practices but added that gaps remain, particularly in monitoring and stakeholder engagement.

Syed Ziauddin Ahmed, Executive Editor of the Banking Almanac gave the welcome address while Abdar Rahman, Project Director, gave an introduction of the book.

Dr Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder Secretary, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, Nazma Mobarek Secretary, Financial Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance, Nurun Nahar Deputy Governor, Bangladesh Bank, Abdul Hai Sarker, Chairman, Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB); Chairman, Dhaka Bank PLC,  spoke as special guests.

Mohammad Emdadul Haque, Executive Editor of the Banking Almanac gave the vote of thanks.

Mohammed Nurul Amin, Member, Board of Editors, Banking Almanac; Former Chairman, Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB), and HSBC CEO Mahbub ur Rahman also spoke.