Staff Reporter :
The newly-formed government will have to face multiple challenges as the country is truly passing through a difficult time, experts said.
The challenges are restoration of political stability and the country’s image in the global community, ensuring governance, rein in inflation, dollar shortage and irregularities in the financial sector, boosting trade and investment and increasing remittance inflow, they said.
Awami League has formed the government for the fourth consecutive term, but this time they have to deal with several challenges, especially tackling the economic situation and improving relationships with the Western countries, including the United States. These could turn out to be major factors.
Political experts said although the cabinet has been formed in combination of veterans and new faces, it may suffer due to lack of experience. They argue that some 30 ministers from the previous cabinet have been dropped.
Regarding the challenges, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday said that the challenges before the new government are political, economic and diplomatic.
“These three challenges lie ahead. It is not so easy to protect Bangladesh from the repercussions of the global crisis in these three sectors,” Quader said while talking to journalists before the new cabinet paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his portrait at Dhanmondi-32 in the capital.
Political analyst and observer Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah also opined that they (government) have three tests before them – foreign affairs, economy and good governance.
“The new cabinet will have to find a way to tame inflation and cut corruption,” he added.
“Besides, they will have to work to boost trade, investment and remittances and recover the country’s image in the international community,” Kalimullah said. He also feels political stability is required to spur economic growth.
“It’s up to them (new government) whether they will negotiate with the BNP or keep it (political situation) as it is now. However, it may become difficult to accomplish many tasks if there is no stability in domestic politics,” he said.
