BM Desk : To ensure sustainable economic growth, Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin has urged the economy to continue using sound economic principles. Professional accountants may be quite helpful in this, he noted.
He made this statement on Friday, July 18, during his remarks as the guest speaker at the opening of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) International Conference 2025, which was hosted by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB).
According to Sheikh Bashiruddin, during my ten months in government service, I have witnessed the truly bright future that lies ahead for our nation. We can get out of our current situation if we can guarantee accountability and openness while allocating money fairly. If not, a kleptocracy will emerge. We’re working relentlessly to get out of the circle of kleptocracy.
He mentioned that historically, we have observed the laundering of billions of dollars through the manipulation of economic records. In many instances, this money laundering has been conducted with a business focus. Consequently, the extensive irregularities that have persisted for an extended period have generated significant amounts of criminal capital, undermining fair competition in the business sector. He noted that the current government has initiated measures to combat unfair competition in business.
The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Reform, Reskill, Reimagine: The Future of Bangladesh Economy’. Approximately 600 professional accountants, economists, policy-makers, corporate leaders, and business executives from SAARC nations have attended the conference.
The distinguished speakers at the event included Secretary to the Ministry of Industries Md. Obaidur Rahman, SAFA President Ashfaq Yusuf Tola, Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council Dr. Md. Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) NKA Mubin, and President of the Institute of Cost Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) Mahtab Uddin Ahmed.
Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow and member of the CPD Board of Trustees, gave the keynote presentation.
During the conference’s three technical sessions, prominent representatives from SAARC nations’ banking, industry, education, technology, and economy participated as discussants. These included in-depth talks on GDP, economic expansion, automation and artificial intelligence, and the evolving role of accountants in the evolving global trading system.
