The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam yesterday hailed the political parties for incorporating some of the country's major economic challenges in their election manifestoes.

"I have seen some reflections," the Finance Adviser said, replying to a question after the inaugural function of the NRB Branch of Janata Bank Limited at Hotel Purbani.

The first such branch dedicated exclusively for the non-resident Bangladeshis is housed on the second floor of the Janata Bank Bhaban in Motijheel commercial area.

However, the Adviser did not go into details about the economic issues of the manifestoes and preferred to hold a press conference in this regard before leaving his office.

Addressing the function, Dr Aziz also mentioned that all the political parties in their election manifestoes emphasised on focusing the rural economy and poverty alleviation.

He appreciated the initiative of Janata Bank for opening a unique branch dedicated exclusively for the non-resident Bangladeshis who are contributing to the country's economic life no less than the export earnings in net terms.

Initially, the NRB Branch will be connected on-line with three desks of Dhanmondi, Kamal Ataturk Avenue and Uttara branches of the bank and offer three products namely Continuous Benefit Account, Advance Benefit Account and NRB Home Loan Scheme.

The Finance Adviser asked the bank to motivate their staffs to be prompt and courteous in dealing with clients to make the bank's mission successful, and also to improve overall services of the bank.

He recognised the need for consumption of the remittance by the beneficiaries in the country, as they have to meet the expenditures like food, health and education.

But, the Adviser said, there is a scope to mobilise a part of the remittance into the banking system and invest in productive sectors like agriculture, SMEs, agro-processing and labour intensive sectors to help reduce poverty.

Finance Secretary Dr Mohammad Tareque, Board of Investment executive chairman Kamaluddin Ahmed and Janata Bank chairman Suhel Ahmed Choudhury also spoke on the occasion.