Govt to take steps to curb black money use in elections: Finance adviser
However, he says a change in political culture is also essential
The government will take measures to prevent the use of black money in upcoming elections, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said today (13 August).
Asked whether the interim government would take specific initiatives to stop the use of black money, he said the key is to block its sources.
"Initiatives have already been launched in this regard. The Election Commission is actively working on the issue, and the finance ministry will provide support. However, a change in political culture is also essential," he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the UPension App at the finance ministry.
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Salehuddin also stated that the sources of black money in the country have been largely controlled compared to earlier.
"Previously, bank owners, industrialists, newspaper owners, and property owners were often the same individuals, but that is no longer the case," he said.
He noted that a system of checks and balances is now in place.
Salehuddin further stressed the link between politics and economic development, saying, "If politicians encourage people to give nominations and votes in exchange for money, there is little the finance ministry can do to prevent it."
The adviser also said loan defaulters will not be allowed to participate in upcoming national election.
"The Election Commission should identify loan defaulters, but court-issued stay orders pose a challenge," he said.
At the event, Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Majumder said the government has set a target to bring all public servants under the Universal Pension Scheme introduced in 2023.
He noted that although initially it was stated that the public servants of the country will be brought under the Universal Pension Scheme by July 2025 it was suspended.
"Now it will be done slowly and the target has not been scrapped yet, it has been suspended," said the secretary.
He mentioned the pension system in India where everyone is under one universal pension scheme.
"We will do that gradually," he added.
