Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed-File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) – Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that the interim government has tried to keep the economy relatively stable and has tackled many challenges.

He also said that the next elected government will face major economic challenges.

“The interim government has tried to keep the economy relatively stable and has tackled many challenges. However, the challenges ahead are even bigger,” he said while addressing Sonali Bank’s Annual Conference 2026 as the chief guest at International Convention Center in the capital.

He acknowledged that the reforms undertaken so far were not sufficient but would be helpful for the next government. “But the challenges that lie ahead need to be handled more tactfully,” he added.

Advising Sonali Bank officials to maintain professionalism during the tenure of an elected government, the finance adviser warned that political pressure would inevitably arise. 

“You can’t always say no directly. Instead, you need to develop negotiation skills and explain economic policies, banking laws, and audit norms,” he said, recommending dialogue and mutual understanding in loan disbursement decisions.

He also urged banks to prioritise small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over large business groups in loan disbursement, noting that SMEs play a crucial role in employment generation. “They deserve more credit support, while loans to large businesses involve higher risks,” he said.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur spoke as special guest.

At the event, Sonali Bank Chairman Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury stressed the need for greater autonomy under the bank’s new PLC structure. He said the board should be given authority to appoint and remove the managing director to ensure corporate governance. 

Sonali Bank Managing Director Shawkat Ali Khan said the bank aims to reduce its default loan ratio to 10–12 per cent by this year and bring it down to single digits next year. Once the NPL ratio reaches 9 per cent, he said, the bank will focus on expanding export financing.

Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek also spoke at the inaugural session of the bank’s annual conference.

Sonali Bank Chairman Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury presided over the conference, while senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Sonali Bank were present.