Staff Correspondent

The general people will gradually lose their patience with the Prof Yunus-led interim government, despite having support for its broad reform plans, if the volatilities continue in the consumer market, financial sector and internal security landscape, said veteran economist Debapriya Bhattacharya at a discussion on Monday.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed was also present at the event organised at the Gulshan Club by the International Business Forum Bangladesh (IBFB).

"The interim government's success will depend on how it addresses the liquidity crisis in banks or economic challenges within the next six months or by the time of the budget," Debapriya said.

He further said, "At this point, a coordinated, effective, and confidence-building mid-term plan is essential. Issues such as the customs and tax structure, currency exchange stability, and whether interest rates on loans will decrease or not, need to be addressed together in a mid-term plan."

He also mentioned that, on one hand, political parties are requesting an election roadmap, while on the other hand, the interim government has committed to holding elections after implementing the necessary reforms.

At the event, Debapriya also stressed the importance of strengthening relationships with foreign countries.

He highlighted the need to focus not only on countries that have historically provided financial aid but also on those offering preferential market access and those from where remittances flow.

"The cost for a worker from Nepal to go abroad is three times lower than that for a worker from Bangladesh. Additionally, around $2 billion has been illegally sent abroad through hundi for foreign workers," he added.