Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed acknowledged that while the interim government has made efforts to stabilise the economy and implement key reforms, substantial challenges still lie ahead for the next elected government.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at Sonali Bank’s Annual Conference 2026 at the International Convention Centre in Dhaka on Monday.

He noted that the interim government has worked to keep the economy relatively stable and addressed many immediate issues.

“The interim government has tried to keep the economy relatively stable and has tackled many challenges. However, the challenges ahead are even bigger,” he said.

Acknowledging the reforms undertaken so far, Dr Salehuddin said they will be helpful for the next government, but warned that future economic challenges need to be handled with greater tact and strategy.

Advising bank officials, he emphasised professionalism during the tenure of an elected government. “Political pressure will inevitably arise. You can’t always say no directly. Instead, develop negotiation skills and explain economic policies, banking laws and audit norms,” he said, stressing dialogue and mutual understanding in loan disbursement decisions.

He also urged banks to prioritise small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over large business groups in providing loans, noting that SMEs play a crucial role in employment generation. “They deserve more credit support, while loans to large businesses carry higher risks,” he added.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur attended the event as a special guest.

At the conference, Sonali Bank Chairman Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury highlighted the need for greater autonomy under the bank’s new PLC structure, stressing that the board should have the authority to appoint and remove the managing director to ensure sound corporate governance.

Managing Director Shawkat Ali Khan said the bank aims to reduce its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio to 10–12% this year and further lower it to single digits next year, with plans to expand export financing once the ratio reaches 9%.

Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek also addressed the inaugural session. The conference was presided over by the Sonali Bank Chairman and attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the bank.