Government Working to Keep Economy Stable Despite Global Pressure: Finance Minister

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the government is working to maintain economic stability despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and mounting global economic pressure. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Sunday (March 22) after exchanging Eid greetings with leaders, activists, and people from different walks of life at his residence in Mehedibagh, Chattogram.

The finance minister said that even amid difficult circumstances, the government has managed to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, prevent increases in transport fares, and keep commodity prices under control, which has brought relief to ordinary people.

He noted that although the ongoing war in the Middle East has put pressure on global energy and supply chains, the government has arranged fuel from alternative sources. As a result, transport services continued during the Eid travel period without any fuel shortages or fare hikes.

Chowdhury added that the government cannot directly control the global impact of the Middle East conflict. Securing new sources of fuel and ensuring a stable supply has become a major challenge. He stressed the need for cooperation, empathy, and restraint from the public to overcome the situation.

Warning about the future, the minister said that if the war continues for a prolonged period, global pressure will intensify and its impact may ultimately affect the country’s people. He emphasized that restraint and collective efforts are essential to navigate this difficult period.

The BNP Standing Committee member also said that people in the country are celebrating Eid in a festive and fearless environment after regaining a sense of ownership in national affairs.

He further mentioned that ensuring early payment of salaries and allowances in the garment sector ahead of Ramadan and Eid helped prevent worker unrest, marking a significant improvement compared to previous years.

The finance minister said the government has implemented several welfare initiatives, including the introduction of Family Cards and Farmers’ Cards, loan waivers worth billions of taka for farmers, and allowances for imams, muezzins, and priests.

He urged citizens to remain united and show restraint, cooperation, and compassion in facing the ongoing global crisis.