Employment remains big challenge as jobs hinge on private sector: Adviser Salehuddin
Unemployment in the country has not taken on a "terrible shape", he says
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has said that while unemployment in the country has not taken on a "terrible shape", employment remains a major challenge as it largely depends on private sector activity.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after chairing meetings of the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat today (16 September).
Asked about economists' concerns that unemployment may severely affect the economy, Salehuddin said, "The adjective they have used is not for this matter. However, employment is a big challenge because employment is created in the private sector.
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"If business and commerce slow down a bit, it will definitely have an effect. It depends on how much support we are giving to business and commerce."
In response to another question, he said business activity was now showing signs of improvement.
"Business was a bit slow in the middle, but it has gotten a little better now," he said.
The adviser pointed to improved tax collection as an indicator. "You will see that the NBR's tax revenue is picking up. And what the NBR is doing is recovering a lot from those who have evaded taxes," he said.
On whether the government will take initiatives to create employment, Salehuddin said projects are being undertaken to generate jobs at the local level.
"We are definitely taking initiatives for employment, to do the local projects quickly. To that end, we have taken a project in Habiganj today. They will not use high-tech technology there. They will widen the road, and employment will be created there. We are trying something like that. At the same time, employment related to business and commerce is most needed," he added.
