Interim government advisor on finance, Salehuddin Ahmed, emphasized that their administration’s primary focus is on reforms, stating, “We are here for one to one-and-a-half years to achieve specific goals and won’t extend our tenure unnecessarily. Our aim is to leave behind a foundational path for others to build upon.”

Ahmed made these remarks on Sunday, January 5, during a discussion event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs marking the release of a report titled “Enhancing Saudi-Bangladesh Economic Engagement: Trends, Key Challenges, and Long-term Potential.”

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s importance in trade and economic relations, he noted, “Saudi Arabia holds immense significance for us. Many countries are urging us to embrace free trade, and we are preparing for it. However, there are significant challenges in this domain that cannot be tackled by the government alone. The private sector’s collaboration is essential to overcome these hurdles.”

Ahmed also criticized past mismanagement, citing examples where major companies like South Korea’s Samsung and Saudi Arabia’s Aramco were reportedly driven out of airport projects during the previous administration.

Addressing irregularities in the stock market, he pointed out anomalies such as non-operational factories seeing a surge in their share prices, calling for immediate corrective actions.

At the same event, outgoing Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Essa Yusuf Essa Alduhailan, highlighted challenges in attracting foreign investment. Responding to this, Towhid Hossain reassured potential investors by affirming that the current administration is investment-friendly and that foreign investors would not face past obstacles.

Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin, Additional Foreign Secretary (East) Md. Nazrul Islam, and Policy Exchange Chairman Masrur Riaz also spoke during the session.