Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that the extended 10-day holiday during Eid-ul-Azha will neither affect the economy nor bring it to a standstill.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (June 4) while responding to questions from journalists following a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Public Procurement, held at the Cabinet Division’s conference room in the Secretariat.

When asked whether the 10-day holiday could impact or paralyse the economy, Dr. Salehuddin said, “There is no chance of stagnation. Businesspeople will continue their operations in their own ways. Bangladesh Bank has already announced the specific days and areas where banks will remain open, including how services will operate at the cattle markets.”

He added, “Other countries around the world have even longer holidays. For example, during Christmas, holidays can last 20 to 25 days. In Nepal, Durga Puja comes with a 30-day break. Does that mean those countries stop functioning? No. So, our country will also continue operating. There is no reason for concern. The budget has already been presented, and activities will proceed according to the outlined strategies.”

Speaking on the national budget, Salehuddin said, “After Eid, we will receive feedback and suggestions on the budget. Opinions can be submitted until June 19. The Cabinet will approve the budget in a meeting on June 22.”

In response to a question on whether finalising everything within three days would be feasible, he explained, “We have already said that opinions will be received continuously. It’s not possible for all feedback to come in a single day — we’ve already started receiving suggestions.”

When journalists pointed out that the proposed budget doesn’t appear to bring any good news for the poor, Salehuddin replied, “There is good news. Please take a closer look at the specific changes in the budget.”

Asked whether the general public would feel relief from the proposed budget, he responded, “Yes, the budget contains elements that will bring comfort.”