Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed-File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today outlined some key economic challenges which the next government would face as he stressed on activating more trade and industry, generate more employments and strengthen financial sector institutions.

“If business doesn’t expand, employments will not come. Without employments, people’s purchasing power will remain weak. This is one of the biggest challenges,” he said.

The adviser made the observations while responding various queries of reporters after chairing a meeting on the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Cabinet Division conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat here today.

He said one of the main challenges before the next government would be to revitalize business and industrial activities, as job creation depends on a vibrant private sector.

Dr Salehuddin noted that Bangladesh still has a relatively small industrial base and remains heavily dependent on exports.

“We need to build our own industrial strength, especially small and medium industries,” he said adding inflation continues to be a concern and cannot be tackled by monetary policy alone.

“Inflation is a multidimensional issue. We have tried to address it, but it needs broader measures,” he said.

On the banking sector, he said steps have been taken to reorganize it, but more difficult decisions lie ahead.

The Finance Adviser praised the central bank governor’s recent initiatives, though he acknowledged these were not enough.

“Credit supply is still limited and confidence has not fully returned, although deposits have started to increase recently,” he said.

He also highlighted the need to develop the capital market to reduce excessive dependence on banks for business financing.

“If we fail to develop the capital market, business and trade won’t grow relying only on banks. Equity participation through the stock market and a strong bond market, especially for the private sector, are essential,” he said noting that regulatory reforms face legal hurdles and court related challenges.

The Finance Adviser described the insurance sector as another sensitive area that needs improvement, saying efforts have been made but progress remains limited.

He further identified energy as a major long-term challenge, stressing the importance of increasing domestic exploration.

“We need more drilling, including offshore. At the same time, we have not been able to develop solar energy to the extent needed,” he added.