Tough economic challenges ahead despite interim govt's stabilisation efforts: Salehuddin

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today (2 February) said that while the interim government has made concerted efforts to stabilise the national economy, the challenges lying ahead remain formidable and complex.

Several significant hurdles persist that will require rigorous navigation, said the adviser while addressing the Sonali Bank Annual Conference 2026 as the chief guest at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.

He emphasised that the future economic environment would demand resilience and a strategic approach to overcome these difficult phases.

Addressing the Sonali Bank officials, Salehuddin stressed the importance of standing as a fully professional institution.

He remarked that as a new government (elected) will eventually take over, the bank's management must work tactfully to maintain its standards.

Salehuddin Ahmed cautioned that while political and bureaucratic obstacles might arise, officials should not dismiss them casually but rather negotiate them with professional integrity.

He further advised the bank's officials on how to interact with policymakers and politicians, as he suggested that instead of an outright refusal to comply with questionable demands, officials should explain the established financial norms, audit requirements, and accounting standards that govern such institutions.

The finance adviser also urged Sonali Bank to extend its support to businesses, highlighting the necessity of financing for all types of enterprises, ranging from small-scale ventures to large industries.

He expressed his expectation that the bank would play a proactive role in fostering trade and commerce through adequate financing.

The finance adviser observed that while the overall banking sector faces various difficulties, the performance of Sonali Bank and a few other private banks remains commendable.