Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday said that the interim government has succeeded in maintaining relative stability in the national economy of Bangladesh, but cautioned that the next elected government will inherit significant challenges that require careful management.
Addressing Sonali Bank’s Annual Conference-2026 at the International Convention Centre, Dr Salehuddin highlighted the efforts made by the caretaker administration to tackle pressing economic issues while creating a foundation for future reforms.
“The interim government has managed to keep the economy stable and address immediate challenges. However, the road ahead is far more complex, and the next government will need to act decisively,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the reforms undertaken so far were limited in scope, they will provide a useful base for the next administration.
Dr Salehuddin emphasised the importance of tactful policy implementation and prudent economic management in the months to come.
The adviser also spoke directly to banking officials, urging them to maintain professionalism and resist undue political pressure.
“You must engage in dialogue, explain policies, banking regulations and audit norms clearly, and negotiate, when necessary, rather than saying no outright,” he said.
Highlighting the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), he advised banks to prioritise financing for these sectors, noting that they are key drivers of employment and economic growth, while lending to larger businesses carries higher risks.
Sonali Bank Chairman Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury stressed the need for greater autonomy under the bank’s new PLC structure, including authority over senior appointments.
Managing Director of Sonali Bank Shawkat Ali Khan outlined the bank’s target of reducing the default loan ratio to 10–12 per cent this year, with plans to bring it down further next year to strengthen export financing.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur attended the programme as special guest.
The conference was also attended by Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek, and senior officials from Sonali Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
