Publication
A four-page interview article was published in fortnightly financial magazine Arthojagat in April, 2019. The article dealt with the challenges for preparation of the upcoming budget for FY20 and policy initiatives needed to deal with them
Other Activities
11 April: An interview with Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam was telecast by Channel 24. The interview dealt with the issues to which attention should be given in the forthcoming budget for FY20. The need for enhancing revenue collection, ensuring timely and cost-effective implementation of Annual Development Program and increasing allocation for health, education and social safety net was highlighted. In addition, the government should reduce reliance on sale of saving instruments as means of financing its deficit.
12 April: An interview with Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam was telecast by Channel I. The interview dealt with the implications of the government’s declared intention to allow bank defaulters to repay their loans over a period of 12 years with 2% down payment at a concessional interest rate of 9%.
26 April: Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam along with Dr. Bozlul Hoque Khandakar, Professor Dhaka University participated in a talk show broadcast by DBC. The subject matter of the discussion was the implications of rising inequality of income and wealth as well as slowdown in the annual rate of poverty reduction for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh.
28 April: Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam participated in a TV talk-show broadcast by News 24. The other participant was Mr. Anwar Parvez, President of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI). The discussions dealt with the constraints which have led to stagnation of private sector investment as proportion of GDP over the last decade. Government initiatives needed to redress these constraints were highlighted.