Prof Abu Ahmed speaks to DOT :
The growth of Bangladesh will go from strength to strength. There is no reason to falter the growth. However, the IMF’s account is not intelligible.
Bangladesh is one of the countries, which are doing well in the world economy. It is a positive aspect for us. However, a minor mismatch can easily occur. As far as our economy is concerned, our growth will rise by 7.8 percent while it is 7.3 as per the IMF.
There is no reason to decline Bangladesh’s growth. There is always a difference between World Bank, IMF, ADB and ours. It is usual that their estimate will be a bit lower than ours. Because, they do a lot of research to come up with any estimate.Our growth is good even if we consider IMF’s estimate. However, our country is suffering from image deficit. That’s why, the foreign investors are unwilling to invest here. Bangladesh is lagging behind in doing business easily. The foreign investors think that it is difficult to do business in Bangladesh. Many Bangladeshi businesspeople think the same.It is a matter of hope that many cabinet members are businesspeople. Now it is their turn to ease the business. There was a time when political leaders blamed bureaucracy. Now the buck ends and the businesspeople should solve their problems and take the business sectors forward internationally. Then our growth will not decline.
Prof Abu Ahmed is an economist
Interviewed by Khairul Alam, translated by Hossen Sohel
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