News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, April 21, 2026 (BSS) -Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today informed the Parliament that the government has initiated comprehensive measures to reduce dependency on domestic bank borrowings and fast-track the recovery of shifted assets laundered abroad by the previous regime.
“The economic policy of this government is to significantly reduce domestic bank borrowings. You will see the reflection of this commitment in the upcoming national budget and the days to follow," the minister said while responding to a supplementary question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2) during the question-answer session in the House today.
Khosru clarified that the current figures are largely reflections of the liabilities left behind by the previous administration.
Acknowledging the pressure on the banking sector, the Minister noted that the current business climate is suffering from "carry-over" issues where factory owners are struggling to meet payroll and loan repayments.
On the issue of the Tax-to-GDP ratio, which has fallen below 7 percent, the minister assured that
efforts are underway to restore it to previous highs. "To return to the levels we once maintained will require time, but this government will perform that task effectively," he added.
Regarding the recovery of thousands of crores of taka laundered out of the country, the finance minister emphasized that the government is utilizing both diplomatic and professional channels.
"The government is working with full cooperation, and we have engaged private companies that specialized in asset recovery. Furthermore, a focal point has been established at Bangladesh Bank to coordinate these efforts internationally," Khosru informed the House.
Expressing optimism about the progress of the recovery process, he stated, "We are not lagging behind. This work is already in motion, and we hope the nation will see the benefits of these efforts in the near future."
In response to another supplementary question from opposition lawmaker Md Saiful Alam (Dhaka-12), the finance minister categorically rejected allegations of individual favoritism in the country’s economic planning, asserting that the government does not believe in "patronage-based economics."
He emphasized that recent legislative amendments are designed to stabilize the financial sector and encourage the return of capital to the banking system.
"In our economic planning, there is no room for any specific individual to gain undue advantage. We have proven time and again that we don’t support patronage," the Minister told the House.
Addressing concerns regarding foreign investment exits from Islami Bank and the possible return of controversial business groups, the finance minister clarified the government's stance on the new banking amendments.
The Minister described the recent policy shifts as a "New Window of Access," stating that the opportunity to invest or settle is now open to all shareholders and potential investors transparently. "We want money to be deposited back into the banks. This window is open for everyone," he added.
The Minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to a competitive and inclusive economy, ensuring that no single entity—including the S. Alam Group—receives preferential treatment over the collective interest of the depositors and the state.
