As Bangladesh’s interim government gears for reforms to stabilise the economy, this special survey by the Economic Intelligence Bangladesh, conducted by The Business Standard, in collaboration with DataSense, chalks out the immediate needs as highlighted by 12 prominent economists across Bangladesh. The survey was carried out in September 2024.
In the survey, we presented a list of ten critical priorities that the interim government should address and asked leading economists and faculty members from renowned universities to identify their top three choices for urgent reforms. Beyond identifying priorities, we also sought their expert advice on how the interim government should act on each of these key areas.
The priorities include: government expenditure control, rebuilding forex reserves, checking corruption and money laundering, inflation control, banking sector reform, reform in tax regime, revisiting disaster management framework, reforms in laws on rights to information, lowering gas and electricity prices, and strengthening human capital for quality employment.
Among the 12 detailed responses we received, a significant 42% of economists identified checking corruption and money laundering as the most urgent priority for the interim government. This emphasis underscores the urgent need to restore investor confidence, create a more favorable business environment, and stimulate economic growth.
Following this, 25% of respondents prioritised inflation control, reflecting concerns over rising prices that erode the purchasing power of the population. Meanwhile, 17% emphasized the importance of rebuilding forex reserves, highlighting the country’s pressing need to stabilize its foreign exchange position amidst global economic volatility.
As the interim government navigates this critical juncture, these insights provide a clear and strategic framework for addressing the nation’s economic challenges. The collective voices of these experts highlight the urgency of swift and decisive action to foster stability and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.
