The next elected government will decide whether to establish a new pay commission, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase and the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Salehuddin outlined the interim government’s priorities ahead of the upcoming elections.
In response to questions, he confirmed that his final discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled for November 15.
He noted that IMF officials had expressed satisfaction with Bangladesh’s overall economic trajectory.
“They are pleased with the progress we have made,” Salehuddin said. “They acknowledge the steps we are taking and have offered recommendations.”
One key area for improvement, he said, is revenue collection. “The tax-to-GDP ratio remains low,” he admitted. “There are multiple reasons – public reluctance to pay taxes, and the National Board of Revenue was closed for two months. We are working to address these challenges.”
The IMF also urged greater spending on social security, particularly in health, education, and food security. “We are making reasonable progress on food support,” Salehuddin said, “but more needs to be done in other areas.”
When asked whether he was optimistic about completing reforms before the interim government’s term ends in three months, Salehuddin replied: “We are not aiming to finish everything. Reforms are a continuous process. Our goal is to consolidate what we have achieved, package it clearly, and hand it over to the next government.”
He revealed that a committee of independent economists has been formed to review the tax system and provide recommendations. “Their findings will inform future policy,” he added.
On the issue of a new pay commission, Salehuddin declined to commit. “We cannot say anything definitive now. That decision rests with the next government. We will not initiate it during this interim period.”
He identified the banking sector as the most pressing challenge. “The reform process has begun, but it will unfold gradually. The next administration will need to carry it forward.”
Regarding the sixth tranche of the IMF loan, Salehuddin said the disbursement is not expected before the elections. “We have already agreed on the conditions. The IMF is completing its review. They are assessing how much reform a political government can absorb. They will return for another review after the elections, likely around February, before making a final decision.”