Speakers at a discussion termed the ‘Padma Bridge’ as a symbol of national aspirations and urged the government to build it as an economic corridor for both sides of the river for the greater benefits of the country.

They emphasize that this bridge needs to be made an economic corridor. If economic zones and industrial parks can be built around the river, it will be able to contribute to economic development and employment.

They came up with the suggestion while speaking in a discussion on 'Current Status of the Macroeconomic: Bangladesh Perspective,' jointly organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) and Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at the CA Bhavan Auditorium in Karwanbazar on Saturday.

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Planning Minister MA Mannan, the chief guest of the discussion, said the government is working to check waste of state money in every sector of the country.

"We are working to prevent waste, sometimes we are relaxed. It has to be rushed. Now there are 1800 projects. We are designing the priority projects based on importance and need,” the planning minister added.

Prof Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said the Padma Bridge is a symbol of national aspiration. It should not only be used for transportation, it should be made an economic corridor.

“There were plans to build 17 economic zones around the Padma Bridge. They have to do that. Then it will be able to contribute to the national economy and employment,” he said.

Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, the Policy Research Institute (PRI) and Chairman Brac Bank, said that it is important to keep the exchange rate of taka stable, it is also important to strengthen local currency.

“The price of the US dollar was between 82, 83 and 84. But suddenly the taka depreciated severely, there is a reason also. But a stable exchange rate is important for the economy,” he said.

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Regarding the budget, Mansur said, “Our budget is only 14 percent of GDP, which is less than other countries. Again, a large expenditure of our budget goes to pay salaries and allowances. The rest of the money is used for government development work. It is better to make the budget at least 20 percent of GDP.”