Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon MP stated that Bangladesh inherited a crippled economy. He made the remark on Monday night during a discussion meeting organized by the Gournadi Upazila and Municipality BNP and its affiliated organizations in Barishal. The minister said the government had to borrow money from banks within three months due to a severe budget deficit, as revenue from VAT covers less than half of the national budget.

Swapon added that the country’s social structure has broken down, with administrative institutions, especially the police and bureaucracy, suffering from a toxic environment. He described the current period after the election as a temporary “honeymoon,” warning that public scrutiny would soon intensify. He emphasized that in the modern era, mistakes spread quickly and trigger immediate public reaction.

The minister further noted that state power now depends on public approval, citing that no government can survive without people’s consent. He stressed that the power of the vote and public accountability must remain active to ensure responsible governance.