Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman said the country should aim to achieve the higher middle-income status by the year 2030, and domestic demand-driven growth is the way forward in light of proposed pluri-lateral trade blocs. The governor also underlined the need for prioritising good governance and strengthening institutions for the greater interest of the success of the country’s economic journey. He was speaking at the 2nd Bangladesh Economists’ Forum (BEF) at the Bangladesh Bank Training Academy in the capital on Saturday. The event consisted of two sessions — a book launch followed by a discussion. “Public institutions like the monetary, financial and capital market regulators in Bangladesh have suffered much from undue external influence,” he said adding “Only full empowerment of institutions in pursuing clearly defined objectives can bring efficiency by making these fully accountable for results.” The first session of the event launched a collection of essays title Bangladesh Vision 2030: Framework for Economic Policymaking and Strategy Formulation in a Pluralistic Democracy is written by leading economists of the country. Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Choudhury articulated the importance of addressing gender disparity in the country. Dr Atiur chaired the first session. The second session facilitated a discussion centred on the issues in transforming the relevant institutions necessary to accelerate growth, reduce poverty and achieve the middle-income status within the stipulated time. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed was present at the second session as the chief guest. The minister discussed a number of trade and policy issues, focusing on the development of special economic zones.
