Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the newly appointed Trade Advisor, has pledged to work towards bringing stability back to the market.
On Monday, November 11, during his first meeting with officials at the Ministry of Commerce, he spoke about his uncertainty regarding his involvement in a legal case.
He mentioned that there is a mix-up in the legal documents about his father`s name, which has left him unsure if he is a defendant in the case.
Sheikh Bashir Uddin also said, "I have always supported the spirit of the student movement.
My main focus now is to help restore balance in the market. I understand the struggles that people are facing."
He added that, since taking on this new role, he has stepped away from his business activities to fully concentrate on his responsibilities as Trade Advisor.
Discussing inflation, Sheikh Bashir Uddin pointed out that while the value of money has increased, people`s purchasing power has actually decreased.
"If we look at the life of an average worker, we can see that their quality of life has gone down," he said.
In his address to the ministry officials, he stated, "I don’t expect any quick fixes, but we will work together as a team. You will have me as a partner, and I’ll do my best to support your efforts fairly and effectively."
He encouraged the officials to put in extra effort and assured them that he would also work hard alongside them to achieve the ministry’s goals.
He emphasized, "If we can grow our business sector and use our resources wisely, we can make significant improvements. I expect everyone to work harder, and I’ll join you in doing the same."
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce, including Secretary Md. Selim Uddin, Additional Secretary (Administration) Kazi Mozammel Haque, Additional Secretary (Export) Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Director-General of the Trade Organization Division Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, and Additional Secretary of the WTO Division Dr. Nazneen Kausar Chowdhury.
Earlier, on the evening of Sunday, November 10, Sheikh Bashir Uddin took the oath of office as Trade Advisor before President Mohammad Sahabuddin.
After the swearing-in ceremony, he officially took up his new role. Sheikh Bashir Uddin is the Managing Director of the well-known Akij-Bashir Group.
However, his appointment has sparked protests. Members of the Gana Odhikar Parishad (People`s Rights Council) held a torch rally outside Bangabhaban, criticizing his appointment.
They claim that Sheikh Bashir Uddin has ties to the ruling Awami League, and his appointment is part of an effort to bring the party back into power.
The protesters have called for him to be removed from his position.
One protester said, "We cannot accept someone with connections to former Awami League MP Afzal Uddin’s brother in the advisory council."
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