Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that school students will receive their new textbooks by January this year.

He confirmed that the list of printing contractors will be finalized within this month, adding that those previously accused of irregularities in the textbook printing process will not be awarded contracts this time.

Addressing broader issues, the adviser also announced that the government has approved the procurement of vaccines. He noted that negotiations with UNICEF are aimed at reducing commission costs, and that vaccines for the next three months will be sourced through competitive bidding.

The U.S. Department of State has provided eight key recommendations aimed at improving financial transparency in Bangladesh. According to its financial transparency report, the current Bangladeshi government largely follows the budget framework set by its predecessor, though it has taken some important reform measures to enhance economic transparency.

The recommendations include:

Publishing year-end financial statements within a reasonable timeframe.

Preparing budget documents in line with international standards.

Separately presenting executive office expenditures.

Providing a comprehensive picture of government revenue and spending in the budget.

Ensuring the independence of the supreme audit authority according to international norms.

Granting the audit office full access to budgetary information.

Timely publication of audit reports with detailed proposals and explanations.

Disclosing key information on natural resource contracts and government procurement.

The report also noted that while the previous government made budget proposals and approved budgets publicly available online, they were not published within a reasonable timeframe. Although the information was generally reliable, it did not fully comply with international standards, such as disclosing the government’s debt levels in the budget.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the agriculture sector for a prosperous future.
Speaking at a daylong training workshop in Cox’s Bazar with over 300 agricultural entrepreneurs, he stressed: “We must enhance entrepreneurial skills, adopt modern technology, and expand financial support to ensure sustainable farming.”
He noted that agriculture not only boosts economic resilience but also secures food security for the nation.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have once again crossed the $31 billion mark, according to central bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan.

As of Wednesday, gross reserves stand at $31 billion, up from $30.59 billion earlier. Under the BPM6 calculation method, reserves rose to $26.08 billion from $25.75 billion. Sources confirmed that net reserves now exceed $21 billion, though the exact figure remains unpublished.

The reserves had dipped to $30.3 billion on September 7 after Bangladesh Bank settled $1.5 billion in import payments through the Asian Clearing Union.

Import-export activities through the Akhaura land port in Brahmanbaria came to a halt on Wednesday morning in observance of Vishwakarma Puja.

Despite the suspension of trade, cross-border passenger movement through the international immigration checkpoint and customs operations continued as usual.

Mohammad Rajib Bhuiyan, a C&F trader at Akhaura, confirmed that Indian counterparts from Agartala port in Tripura had earlier informed them of the closure. Trade is expected to resume on Thursday morning with the export of fish to Tripura.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has praised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for his leadership in steering Bangladesh’s economic reforms. During a videoconference, she commended Bangladesh’s adoption of a market-based exchange rate and efforts to restore foreign reserves, describing them as “bold steps that have given new momentum to the economy.”

Yunus thanked Georgieva for IMF’s support during challenging times and reassured her that credible elections will be held on schedule in February—before the holy month of Ramadan. “Once the elections are complete, I will return to my previous work,” Yunus stated.

Georgieva stressed the importance of banking sector reforms and boosting domestic revenue. Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s youth initiatives and referenced Nepal’s youth movements and the nation’s aspiration to join ASEAN.

Bangladesh Bank has decided to appoint administrators in five banks undergoing a merger process. The administrators will work in coordination with the existing management, central bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan announced after a special board meeting chaired by Governor Ahsan H. Mansur.

As per the decision, First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and EXIM Bank will be merged to form a new state-owned entity, tentatively named United Islami Bank. The central bank is expected to issue its license soon.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has emphasized that Bangladesh is purchasing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by comparing prices in the international market, regardless of the supplier country—be it the United States, China, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia.

Speaking after a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement and Economic Affairs, he confirmed that several power substations, fertilizer supplies, and LNG purchase proposals had received approval.

Salehuddin noted that reducing the trade deficit with the United States depends largely on identifying viable imports. While sourcing goods from the U.S. may slightly raise prices, he assured that this would not significantly impact consumers.

He also highlighted improvements in the overall business climate, pointing out that many previously evaded taxes are now being recovered. On the issue of fertilizer imports, he said corruption allegations would be investigated, and both the Agriculture and Industries Ministries have been tasked with looking into the matter.

In a bid to stabilize the foreign exchange market, Bangladesh Bank has purchased approximately $1.13 billion over the past six weeks. Officials say the move is aimed at balancing export earnings and remittance inflows, not manipulating prices.

Banking sector insiders view the initiative positively, warning that if the dollar’s price drops in official channels, remittances may shift to informal routes.

For over a year, the dollar market has remained stable at Tk 121–122 per dollar. Strong export growth and high remittance inflows have boosted supply, alongside foreign loans, strengthening reserves. During the first two months of this fiscal year, Bangladesh received more than $13.5 billion, while imports and debt repayments consumed just over $10.5 billion, leaving a sizable surplus.

To absorb the excess, Bangladesh Bank stepped in as a major buyer through dollar tenders.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has emphasized the caretaker government’s determination to leave behind tangible contributions for citizens before its tenure ends.

“I asked the NBR chairman whether we’ll be able to see some of the benefits of our reforms before February, when we step down,” Dr. Salehuddin said. “The Chief Adviser often reminds us that we should try to leave some lasting contributions. Yet, I see certain newspapers publishing only despair—no signs of hope. We want to show people a ray of hope.”

He explained that any new government would need time to settle in, so it was crucial for the current administration to act with goodwill and demonstrate immediate progress.

Addressing tax lawyers, Dr. Salehuddin criticized harassment in public services:
“People are made to run around unnecessarily. Even I sometimes get fed up and say, ‘Just process it.’ For instance, I tell my driver not to bother me repeatedly about his driving license. Citizens need to be freed from such hassles. People want service, and when they receive good service, they are willing to pay for it without hesitation.”

A US trade delegation is arriving in Dhaka on Sunday for a two-day visit to discuss the 20% counter-tariff imposed on Bangladeshi goods in the American market.
The delegation will be led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia. Although tariffs have been reduced from 35% to 20%, no formal agreement has yet been signed. A draft deal is prepared, and discussions will focus on finalizing it and potentially reducing tariffs further.
During the visit, the delegation will meet with the Ministry of Commerce, Chief Adviser, Foreign Affairs Adviser, and Foreign Secretary.

Economic Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin has said that Bangladesh has the potential to transform into a “goldmine” if its human capital is properly nurtured.

Speaking on Friday, he highlighted that while the country lacks sufficient raw materials for large-scale industrial production, this shortfall can be overcome through education, innovation, and knowledge acquisition by students.

He explained that ensuring labor productivity, utility proportion, logistics excellence, cost efficiency, access to finance, and market access would allow Bangladesh to offset raw material shortages and drive economic growth.

Bashiruddin further stressed the importance of uninterrupted product supply in market management. He pointed out that during the last Ramadan, coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh Bank, and the Ministry of Commerce kept supply chains stable, resulting in lower commodity prices.

Addressing past challenges, he revealed that several members of so-called “syndicates” had fled the country, making it difficult to stabilize the supply side. “Through collective efforts, we managed to overcome that crisis,” he noted.

Reflecting on recent economic progress, Bashiruddin said, “After Sheikh Hasina’s fall, our reserves stood at around $10 billion against liabilities of $6 billion. Under the Chief Advisor’s leadership, we cleared those liabilities. Today, reserves have risen to $30 billion.”

Looking ahead, he emphasized that if future governments adopt a coordinated, democratic approach to market regulation and implement impartial reforms, Bangladesh’s market system will be strengthened, ensuring equitable distribution of wealth and resources.

Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor, has acknowledged Bangladesh’s progress in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector but cautioned that the country lags behind in overall competitiveness.

Speaking at the Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition, he noted that Chinese investment in Bangladesh has surged by 300 percent. “We must identify our weaknesses and advance through knowledge-sharing. By utilizing China’s expertise in production and packaging, we can expand our opportunities,” he said.

He further highlighted road safety concerns, stating that annual fatalities from road accidents in Bangladesh remain alarming. “Improving road infrastructure and transport management is a necessity,” he stressed.

Bashiruddin also revealed that a U.S. government delegation will arrive in Dhaka on Sunday to discuss tariff issues, focusing on how to restructure tariff frameworks for trade efficiency.

Economic Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed has confirmed that the government will purchase 300 vehicles for on-ground election operations. However, a previously proposed plan to buy vehicles for ministers has been rejected by the Finance Ministry.

Salehuddin also highlighted ongoing banking reforms, stating, “When banks merge, customers will face no inconvenience, and no funds will be lost.” The government formed an eight-member working committee on Monday to oversee the integration of five Shariah-compliant banks, potentially named “United Islami Bank,” following a policy decision by Bangladesh Bank.

On international labor and education initiatives, he added that 100,000 workers are set to be sent to Japan, emphasizing the need for language skills, technical proficiency, and opportunities for PhD graduates to secure employment there.

Shipping Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain has said Bangladesh would have no objection to allowing foreign companies to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port if it benefits the country.

“Currently, there is no extortion in the port. If foreign operators take over, there will be none at all,” he remarked. He highlighted that port revenues have risen by 8.5 percent, with the Ministry of Shipping generating Tk 65,759.7 crore in revenue for FY2024–25, up 9.4 percent from the previous year.

Hossain also hinted at stepping down after the February elections, saying he would “wrap things up in January and go home after February.”