Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith on Saturday deplored that the situation outside Dhaka has taken a dangerous turn due to nonstop blockade and frequent shutdowns enforced by the BNP-led alliance.

The finance minister made the remark while replying to queries of journalists at a press conference on the situation of country’s socio-economic progress and macro economy at his ministry.

“The impacts of blockade and hartal may not be realised staying in Dhaka but the situation of districts outside the capital turns dangerous,” Muhith admitted openly.

He also laid emphasis on  keeping the districts functional.   

In another question, Muhith said, “Additional budgetary allocation would be required to deploy additional police and BGB forces. I would not tell at this moment how many would be required”.

About the improvement of the current stagnant situation, the finance minister said nobody knows.

Countering the journalists’ questions, he asked, “Can you say? Last month I hoped that the situation will come under control. I can expect the change”.

The finance minister made the remarks at a time when the country is experiencing unprecedented nonstop blockade and frequent hartal which cause to financial loss of over Tk 36,000 core in 16 days, estimated by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). Now blockade crossed a month. 

About the economic loss due to blockade and hartal, Muhith said the picture of loss would be placed at the coordination council meeting in March.

“Those who engage in such movement they are the enemies of the country. I would request the conscious citizens to resist such movements,” the finance minister added.

Among others, Finance Secretary Mahbub Ahmed, Bank and Financial Institutional Division Secretary M Aslam Alam, National Board of Revenue chairman Nazibur Rahman and Economic Relations Division secretary Md Mezbauddin Ahmed.

RI