Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed rated his own performance at “around 70 out of 100”, acknowledging that while significant initiatives were undertaken during his tenure, several key reforms remained unfinished due to structural and policy limitations.
“I would give myself close to 70 – perhaps 70 or 80. If it is 80, I would say we at least started the work. We initiated programmes in the interest of the people and had no hidden agenda,” he said while talking to reporters after holding the Purchase Committee meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The adviser said he would not award himself full marks as many intended initiatives could not be fully implemented.
Salehuddin said although the government managed to launch a number of reforms, many could not be completed.
“Some of the plans we had could not be implemented, and some we started but could not be completed,” he said, adding that this reality prevented him from claiming a perfect score.
The adviser emphasised that the continuous annual development programme (ADP) process had become more functional and streamlined.
Salehuddin, however, admitted that the “real work” lay in implementing more meaningful policy reforms.
Responding to questions about the autonomy of Bangladesh Bank, the finance adviser said the issue had been considered carefully, acknowledging the fact that there have been calls for granting the central bank greater independence.
“We thought about it extensively. It is a loaded issue,” he said. “It is not simply about whether a particular governor or minister will exercise control. The key issue is how much operational independence exists within the framework.”
