The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

This is an unelected but not a normal three-month caretaker government that cannot take any policy decision, the Finance Adviser reminded as they approved yesterday a second PRSP targeting nearly 7% economic growth for 3 years.

"We are unelected, but not a normal three-month government. I don't know if the next elected government will own it or not-it is the matter of theirs," Dr Mirza Azizul Islam said.

He made the remarks as reporters asked him if the interim regime has the locus standi to make and adopt such main economic development policy document without public representation.

The present caretaker government was installed through the 1/11, 2007 changeover with military backing dismissing the short-lived previous caretaker government amid a political crisis over the issues of January 22 general election that was also canceled.

And this interim regime has carried out sweeping reforms and anti-graft drives based on many policy decisions aiming to make a fresh start with a clean slate through next elections.

The government yesterday approved the 'Moving Ahead: National Strategy for Accelerated Poverty Reduction II' for three fiscal years (2009-2011), which is popularly known as PRSP-II, although the Finance Adviser wasn't sure the upcoming elected government would continue or scrap it.

The PRSP got the approval at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.

After the meeting, Dr Aziz, responding to the reporters' questions, said they are not a normal three-month government as stipulated in the constitution and so they have lot many things to do in this long interregnum.

He, however, said it seemed to him that no government has any problem about reducing poverty, keeping macroeconomic stability and creating congenial atmosphere for investment.

"The PRSP II is a blueprint; I think no one has problem with its main objectives. If anyone does have any minor difference, then it could be included easily," the custodian of the exchequer of the caretaker government said.

Chalking out the main difference about the PRSP-II from the previous one, the Finance Adviser said this time it is elaborated and cost of the achievement indicated.

The new poverty-reduction strategy paper (PRSP) projected GDP growth for 2008-09, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 fiscal years as 6.5, 7 and 7.2 percent.

Inflation, which had climbed to double-digit figures last fiscal amid an unusual food-price hike, has been projected at 9, 7.5 and 7 percent for the three fiscal years.