Finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith on Thursday expressed optimism that that prevailing political crisis would be resolved soon through fresh talks between the two major political alliances.
“The next national poll will be held in time and all parties will take part in it,” he said. Muhith was addressing a meeting on “Directives for collecting taxes” at the Chittagong Customs House hall here. The event was presided over by Chittagong Customs House commissioner Masud Sadik. Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chairman Rear Admiral Nijamuddin Ahamed, shipping ministry secretary Najrul Islam, National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Farid Uddin and others also spoke on the occasion.
“Political unrest is expected in the year of a national poll. It is natural that political unrest will hamper national growth in such a year. Considering all factors, we’ve fixed a target to collect taxes in the current year,” the minister said.
“There is no reason to lose hope about the next national poll. It’ll be held in accordance with parliamentary norms. All political parties will participate in it. Such polls are being held in many countries. We should change our mentality to uphold democracy,” he observed.
“Our revenue has increased considerably during the last 17 years. The increase during the last five years is very satisfactory,” he added.
Muhith claimed that the Awami League had assumed office at a time when the country’s economic condition was very weak due to an international economic recession.
-With The Independent input
