Trade advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said that a task force is being formed to bring back the smuggled money. It will be visible soon.
He said this during a press briefing at the end of the 146th meeting of the Export Development Bureau (EPB) and the 59th Board of Directors of Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday (September 8, 2024).
Dr. Salehuddin said, it is not easy to bring back the smuggled money. It took 16 years to know that the country’s money was smuggled. It will not take 16 years to bring it now. It will be much sooner, those who will work are experts.
In response to a question that there has been a change in the government’s market management in one month, the advisor said that the government has waived the tax on potatoes and onions. As a result, the market price will not decrease immediately, it takes time to reflect. Efforts are being made to reduce middlemen and racketeering. Local administration has been asked to strengthen monitoring. If you press too much, business will be hindered. It (product price) will decrease. So that the consumer does not suffer, I have told the businessmen that they cannot make more profit, he added.
In response to a question about what else was achieved in a month, the advisor said, there was a lack of confidence in the banking sector. Confidence has been restored in this sector. There will be a task force to bring back the laundered money. NBR will immediately (immediately) form a task force. There are many Bengali qualified experts abroad, they will be utilized if necessary.
In response to another question, the advisor said that the potential export growth target for the current financial year has been set at 12 percent. The condition is fairly good, positive. Hopefully it will.
In response to a question whether Bangladesh will get back the GSP facility, the trade advisor said, America has not given any conditions regarding GSP, I have answered that. It will be discussed in detail.
Regarding the trade fair of 2025, the advisor said that the trade fair will be held in January. (date) if not at the beginning but at a later date. Mentioning that the fair will have an innovative aspect, he said, he will make a separate arrangement for those who export or have export potential. We will encourage the export of domestic products.
Earlier, the 146th meeting of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the 59th meeting of the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute were held under the chairmanship of the Trade Advisor.
Zakia Sultana, Senior Secretary of Industry Ministry, Commerce Secretary Mohang Salim Uddin, Finance Secretary Md. Khairuzzaman Majumdar, Economic Relations Department Secretary Shahriar Quader Siddiqui, ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman, Export Development Bureau Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain, Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute Chief. Executive Officer Mohammad Naveed Shafiullah was present.
