Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday announced a major government plan to reform the stock market and drive investment across business and industry.
He said the government has prepared a comprehensive roadmap for the capital market and expects a significant transformation once it implements the plan. He predicted that stronger stock market performance would stimulate broader business activity, expand industrial investment, create jobs, increase exports and production, and help stabilise prices.
Khosru spoke to journalists at his residence in the Katoli area of Chattogram during his first visit to the port city after taking charge of the Finance Ministry. Hundreds of leaders and activists of the BNP welcomed him at the airport. Supporters also gathered at his residences in Katoli and Mehedibagh.
He acknowledged that the economy faces serious challenges. “Indicators show rising poverty, declining investment and shrinking employment. The private sector has reduced capital imports and lowered borrowing. All these factors have placed the economy in a difficult position,” he said.
The minister said the government has already outlined key recovery measures in its programme and plans to take bold steps to revitalise the economy and deliver benefits to citizens.
Referring to recent gains in the stock market, he described the rise as encouraging but insufficient. He called for structural reforms, including changes to existing laws and regulations, to create a favourable environment for quality shares and attract greater participation from general investors.
On the upcoming national budget, Khosru said the government does not intend to present a conventional budget. He pledged to design a budget that ensures broad public participation in economic activity and creates a level playing field. “We will not continue politics of patronage. We want the benefits of economic growth to reach all citizens,” he said.
Later in the afternoon, he met leaders and officials of various port service providers to discuss measures to strengthen operations at Chattogram Port.
