'Seven obstacles for Bangladesh'

 
Think tank CPD sees seven obstacles for Bangladesh considering the economic challenges the country has been dealing with amid falling foreign reserves and a serious energy crisis.

Dollar shortage, energy supply crisis, higher inflation, food deficit, supply chain disruption due to the Russia-Ukraine war, adverse impact of Covid-19 pandemic and climate change have posed real challenges before Bangladesh, CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun said in a media briefing at its office in Dhaka on Thursday.

The think-tank organised the briefing on slowdown in global economy and challenges for Bangladesh.

Fahmid Khatun said, "The government should focus on energy supply from domestic sources by strengthening production capacity of the gas fields and enhancing renewable energy supply to reduce the burden on foreign reserves." The inflationary pressure will hamper a sustainable and inclusive pandemic recovery since the real purchasing power of many people has declined, causing further inequality, she observed.

The CPD Executive Director also laid emphasis on action against money laundering and following a national strategy for prevention of money laundering and combating financing to terrorism.

The Dhaka-based think tank advised the government to prefer loan from global lending agencies that offer long-term and low-interest funding to keep the country's economy afloat amid a global economic slowdown that has a rippling effect in Bangladesh.