These contradictory statements were put forward in a seminar titled ‘A holistic assessment of Bangladesh’s economy in six months from the private sector perspective’. Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) organized the seminar at its Motijheel office.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Mashiur Rehman was the chief guest at the event presided over by DCCI Chairman Ashraf Ahmed.
Addressing the seminar, former DCCI President Shams Mahmood said that private sector entrepreneurs are currently not able to get the required amount from banks. On one hand, the central bank has increased the interest rate to curb the inflation rate, on the other hand, Bangladesh Bank is printing bank notes to meet the needs of the government. This is contradictory.
Ashikur Rahman, senior economist at private research organization Policy Research Institute (PRI), said in the seminar that defaulted loans are negatively affecting the country’s private sector. More than 22 percent of the country’s debt is problematic.