News Flash
DHAKA, June 26, 2025 (BSS) - Dr. Sheik Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Rank of State Minister), Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, today said that the country needs a comprehensive infrastructure plan that addresses the existing assets and future needs.
“We need a comprehensive infrastructure plan that addresses our existing assets and future needs,” he said.
The Special Assistant was addressing the Monthly Macroeconomic Insights (MMI) - A Post-Budget Analysis as the chief guest organized by the Centre for Macroeconomic Analysis (CMEA) of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government at the PRI in the capital.
Dr. Moinuddin highlighted the government’s strategic focus on infrastructure-led development and macroeconomic stability.
“Ultimately, the goal is sustainable economic development. A well-coordinated plan will allow all stakeholders to work together under a unified framework.” he added.
The event brought together eminent economists, policymakers, diplomats, and private sector leaders for an in-depth discussion on the fiscal outlook following the FY2025–26 national budget, said a PRI press release.
The session began with opening remarks from Dr. Khurshid Alam, Executive Director of PRI, who welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of informed dialogue in shaping effective economic policies.
The event was chaired by Dr Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of PRI.
Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of PRI, and Dr. Ashikur Rahman, Principal Economist at PRI, delivered the keynote presentation.
While making the keynote presentation, Dr. Zaidi Sattar said that no bold trade policy reforms were introduced missing a critical opportunity to address the challenges of Bangladesh’s upcoming LDC graduation in November 2026 and the USTR’s reciprocal tariff demands.
He noted that the budget includes only marginal para-tariff reductions, which are unlikely to drive export diversification.
Given the mounting external pressures, he said strategic and urgent trade reforms are essential.
Aligning with USTR requirements could catalyze broader modernization of trade policy, Dr Sattar said Bangladesh must simultaneously expand its revenue base while reducing reliance on trade-based taxes.
Dr. Ashikur Rahman said that the inability to mobilize fiscal resources is compromising financial sector stability and undermining the resilience of the broader economy.
Australian Deputy Head of Mission to Bangladesh, Clinton Pobke spoke as the special guest and reiterated Australia’s ongoing support to Bangladesh’s economic development.
“Partnerships built on sound policy dialogue are central to inclusive and resilient growth. Initiatives like PRI’s MMI are vital for informed discourse,” he stated.
The event also featured panel remarks from Ferdaus Ara Begum, Chief Executive Officer, Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), and Rizwan Rahman, Former President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Both panelists emphasized the importance of aligning budgets with private sector needs and the role of regulatory reforms in enhancing business confidence.
The open floor discussion at the event offered space for vibrant audience engagement on monetary policy, inflation management, and the digitalization of revenue administration.
Dr. Sattar concluded the session with a vote of thanks, appreciating the presence of all guests and emphasizing PRI’s continued commitment to evidence-based policy dialogue.
