Wahiduddin expresses hope for an elected government to take office next year

Planning and education adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has expressed hope that an elected government will take office next year, emphasizing that this reflects his personal opinion, as he has no certainty about the eventual outcome. 

He made these remarks during the annual BIDS conference on development (ABCD) in Dhaka on Saturday. Earlier, on 24 November, the chief adviser’s press wing informed the media that the election date would be announced by the chief adviser and that any other comments on the matter were individual opinions. 

In his speech, Wahiduddin Mahmud highlighted that many initiatives by the previous regime were “prestige projects” designed to enhance their reputation, although some worthwhile projects were also undertaken. Discussions are now underway on how to address these initiatives. 

Commenting on efforts to build a society rooted in equality, he noted the interim government’s severe resource constraints. A considerable amount of money has been laundered abroad, leaving people with bank deposits while the funds themselves have left the country. 

He further pointed out that even major industrial entities like Beximco have large sums on their balance sheets, but the actual money is not in the country. As these businesses struggle to pay workers’ wages, it becomes increasingly challenging to foster an equitable society under such financial conditions.