Staff correspondent:

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said that the prices of essential goods have not increased compared to the previous year. Speaking about the impact on consumers, he acknowledged, “Some people are suffering due to the high prices of necessities,” but emphasized, “The prices have not risen compared to last year.”

He further assured that “the government is making efforts to reduce prices further.”

He made these remarks during a conversation with journalists after a meeting of the Government Procurement Advisory Council at the Secretariat on Wednesday (March 5).

The Adviser said that unemployment has increased in the country, and the government is working to address it through economic support and incentives in various sectors.

He said, “If the unemployment rate is reduced, the economic situation will improve. Discussions have been held with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on this matter.”

“Many businesses of the previous government had to be shut down due to their own reasons. Efforts will be made to provide employment to the workers there, but it is not possible for the government to provide jobs to everyone,” he added.