Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 22, 2025 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said 
that although the country was on the brink of falling into a ditch during the 
previous regime, but it is now turning around thanks to the government's 
efforts and the support from the concerned.

"We had not assumed power rather took responsibility. You can't imagine in 
what state Bangladesh was earlier as it can only be known who were 
inside...," he said.

The Finance Adviser was addressing at a function marking the unveiling of 
extended edition of the cover of his book "Govornorer Smritikotha" and a 
discussion meeting held at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of 
Bangladesh (ICAB) Auditorium in the capital this afternoon.

Salehuddin said Bangladesh was almost on the verge of falling into a ditch, 
but yet to fall there by the grace of Almighty. 

From that position, the country is now turning around with the wholehearted 
efforts from the government and others concerned, he said adding, "You just 
can't imagine the situation which was previously prevailed," he added.

The Finance Adviser recalled the background of writing this book and its 
title highlighting the context of the then banking sector and the economy and 
his vast experiences in the banking sector. 

On the whole, Salehuddin said that he did not compromise during his tenure as 
a central bank Governor and also while serving previously as a public 
servant.

"Now we need more honesty, integrity and skills of our human resources to 
move forward the country," he said.

The Finance Adviser said the impression of Bangladesh before the foreign 
nationals and the development partners is still very good since he has to 
talk every now and then with them.

"We all should try to uphold the dignity of the country and also our self 
respect," he added.

Urging all to do constructive criticism which is necessary, the Adviser, 
however, suggested all to remain cautious so that others, who do not want 
welfare of the country and its people, could take advantage of that.

"We hope that we'll be able to move the country forward in a speedy manner 
through ensuring quality of life of our people. It won't work only with high 
growth and high income, but quality of education, health is also needed. 
We're trying relentlessly in this regard." he added.

The Finance Adviser also urged all irrespective of their class and creed so 
that the interim government could address the existing problems of the 
country in a speedy manner.

The Daily Bonik Barta editor and publisher Dewan Hanif Mahmud gave the 
address of welcome while distinguished fellow of CPD Dr Mustafizur Rahman, 
Dhaka University Prof Dr Kazi Marufur Rahman, Former NBR Chairman Abdul 
Majid, Prof Dr Mahbubullah, writer Faruk Saifuddin, Dhaka University 
Professor Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir spoke on the occasion.

Besides, Finance Secretary Dr M Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Financial Institutions 
Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek, and ICAB President Maria Howlader were 
present among others.