Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh has sought $3 billion in loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), says Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed.

The advisor told government officers to remain vigilant so that the money was not wasted during his visit to the Ministry of Science and Technology on Thursday. “Earlier, a lot of funds were wasted. These funds belong to the people and we can’t let it go to waste,” he told the officers.

Science and technology are the most important factors in implementing the development programmes in the country, Salehuddin said. Development would not be ‘meaningful’ unless the ‘output’ of science and technology was used, he said.

“Our livestock and fisheries production increased due to the research on it and the application of research findings. The sector saw tremendous development. People should realise that a Ministry of Science and Technology exists. The ministry’s work shouldn’t be limited to the Rooppur Plant. You have to prove yourself through your work.”

He also said that if the officers’ ‘contribution’ to the society ‘failed,’ people would speak out against them. “It won’t happen very soon, but gradually you need to bring changes to your work. You have to contribute.”

The advisor said he took ‘responsibility’ and not ‘power’ when he was sworn in, adding that he needed cooperation from everyone. He gave directives to bring dynamism to the existing development programmes of the ministry and ensure transparency and accountability.