Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya. File Photo

DHAKA, May 31, 2025 (BSS) - Distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya today said that external sector, remittance, exports, keeping debt repayment situation under control, boosting reserve and keeping exchange rate stable are some of the notable areas of success of the interim government.

"The pressure on repaying foreign loans left over by the previous regime had put the country into serious risk. One of the notable successes of this government was to minimize the burden on foreign loan repayment through repaying $5 billion," he said.

The eminent economist was speaking at a shadow parliament on the upcoming budget for the next fiscal year (FY26) titled "Enhancing revenue collection should be the main goal in the ensuing budget" organized by the Debate for Democracy, said a press release.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron presided over the parliament.

The noted economist said that it could have been a significant source for financing in the upcoming budget if the confiscated amount and wealth of the corrupt, money launderers, culprits involved in bank forgery and tax evaders could be incorporated in the budget.

Dr Debapriya also underscored the need for realizing more non performing loans, bringing back the siphoned off money, widening the tax net, building a discrimination-free tax structure and restoring stability in the private sector and investment.

In the debate session, participants from the Bangladesh University of Business and Technology emerged as winners, defeating the team from Ananda Mohan College of Mymensingh.