Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Honorary Fellow of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Head of the White Paper Preparation Committee, has warned that reform advocates may lose patience if they do not receive economic guidance. He made these remarks at the closing session of the symposium titled ‘White Paper and Beyond Economic Management, Reforms and National Budget’ organized at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Saturday (January 18).

Dr. Debapriya said, “Reformists will become frustrated if they cannot ensure economic stability, growth, employment, poverty alleviation and social protection. They may even give up on trying to implement balanced reforms.”

He also said, “The interim government is focusing on administrative and institutional reforms, but that focus is not visible on economic management. There is also no coherent economic manifesto.”

Criticizing the increase in VAT on goods, he said, "VAT has been increased recklessly, while no importance has been given to increasing direct taxes." Dr. Debapriya urged the government to take more effective initiatives in economic management.

The experts present at the symposium emphasized the need for more emphasis on SDG implementation and economic reforms.