Restoring confidence in banking sector a priority: Finance minister
Uncertainty in the global economy had become a normal reality, with Bangladesh facing the effects of global inflation, trade protectionism, climate change and exchange rate volatility, Khosru says.
Restoring confidence in the banking sector, controlling inflation, boosting investment and employment, and improving revenue collection are among the government's key economic priorities, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said.
He made the remarks as chief guest at the grand finale of EconoCon 2026, a national inter-university economics competition organised at United International University (UIU) in the capital today (3 October).
The minister said Bangladesh was at a critical juncture, with inflation putting pressure on the purchasing power of ordinary people. He also said tax collection as a proportion of GDP remained far below requirements.
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"Restoring confidence in the banking sector is urgent," he said, adding that increasing investment and employment was also among the country's biggest priorities.
The minister said uncertainty in the global economy had become a normal reality, with global growth slowing, financing costs remaining higher than in the past decade, and protectionism and tariff barriers increasing in international trade.
Geopolitical conflicts have kept energy and transport costs volatile, while climate change is adding to economic losses each year, he said.
As an import-dependent and export-oriented economy, Bangladesh directly absorbs these global shocks, which are reflected in commodity prices, the exchange rate and export orders for factories, he said.
Against this backdrop, the government is prioritising inflation control, restoring trust in the banking sector and improving the investment climate, Khosru said.
He also called for structural reforms in the tax system and greater effectiveness in public spending on education, health and social protection.
"Maximum benefit must be ensured for every single taka" of public expenditure, he said.
Good policies alone are not enough, he said, stressing the need to consider whether policies can be implemented, their costs and the benefits they generate.
On LDC graduation, the minister said the economy must be prepared for changing global and domestic realities regardless of the timeline.
He also said policymakers must take decisions with accountability to the public even when information is incomplete and time is limited.
Addressing young people, Khosru said economics was not simply about passing examinations but about understanding reality. He stressed the importance of honesty, humanity and accountability alongside professional skills.
"If the youth can dream, work hard and move forward with honesty, no one will be able to halt Bangladesh's progress," he said.
The competition was organised by the Junior Economists Forum (JEF) in collaboration with the UIU Department of Economics. A total of 224 teams from universities across the country registered for EconoCon 2026.
According to the organisers, the competition aims to help students develop analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, adaptability and economic reasoning beyond textbooks.
Prize money totalling Tk2.65 lakh was awarded. The "Veni Vidi Vici" team from North South University became grand champion and received Tk1 lakh, while the "Seld" team from Dhaka University and "Dhaka 99" from UIU became the first and second runners-up, receiving Tk75,000 and Tk50,000 respectively.
Hasan Mahmud Raja, chairman of the UIU Board of Trustees and chief adviser of United Group; KMA Shamim, member of the Board of Trustees and adviser of United Group; and UIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia attended the event, along with faculty members, officials, students, competitors and economists from various universities.
