BM Desk:

In a significant development aimed at addressing crucial challenges impeding Bangladesh’s progress, esteemed economist Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap in his latest book titled “Bangladesh Progress: A Proposed Outline of the National Seven-Year Action Plan”.

Published by University Press Limited (UPL), the book launch event convened on Monday, March 25th, 2024, at UPL’s headquarters in the capital. Dr. Farashuddin, renowned for his expertise and as the chief advisor of East West University, emphasized pressing issues such as money laundering, loan defaults, and the pervasive influence of middlemen as formidable obstacles to Bangladesh’s advancement.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a former government bureaucrat and his association with key figures like Bangabandhu, Dr. Farashuddin highlighted the alarming trend of an estimated $7 billion annually being siphoned out of Bangladesh due to these systemic challenges.

Distinguished Fellow of CPD, Rounaq Jahan, underscored the book’s significance for policymakers while noting its accessibility and relevance for the general populace. Addressing the longstanding issue of debt defaults, Jahan lamented the lack of decisive action from the government dating back to the 1980s.

Professor Abul Bayes, a retired academician and former Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, commended the breadth of topics covered in Dr. Farashuddin’s book. Notably, Bayes emphasized the urgency of curbing inflation and advocated for more effective tax collection from major contributors to bolster the nation’s financial stability.

Mozammel Haque Babu, Managing Director of Ekatar Television Ltd., lauded the book as a vital resource for fostering good governance. He pointed out the detrimental effects of a “sick free market” and stressed the need to stem the outflow of achievements from various sectors to ensure sustainable development.

Mahrukh Mohiuddin, Managing Director of UPL, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the pivotal role of informed discourse in addressing the challenges outlined in Dr. Farashuddin’s book.

Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin’s seminal work promises to spark crucial conversations and catalyze concerted efforts towards realizing Bangladesh’s potential for inclusive and sustainable progress.