Dhaka //

Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Acting Secretary General of the BNP and Political Advisor to the Prime Minister, has remarked that it is necessary to determine whether the death of former Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman was merely a road accident or if there was a national or international conspiracy behind it.

He made these remarks on Monday (September 7) while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at the National Press Club in the capital. The event, organized by the M Saifur Rahman Memorial Council, marked the 17th death anniversary of the former Minister of Finance, Planning, and Commerce.

Rizvi stated that it is natural for questions to arise regarding the death of an economist like Saifur Rahman, who played a pivotal role in building a strong foundation for Bangladesh’s economy. The matter needs to be investigated.

He described Saifur Rahman as a national asset and a source of pride for the BNP, noting that his achievements are recognized both at home and abroad. He contributed significantly to placing Bangladesh’s economy on a solid footing. Rizvi questioned whether the incident involving Saifur Rahman was truly just an accident or if a conspiracy lay behind it, asserting that this must be uncovered.

Highlighting the former Finance Minister’s economic reforms, Rizvi noted that although the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) faced widespread criticism at the time, no one subsequently repealed it; rather, VAT has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy.

He observed that the country’s economy was disciplined during Saifur Rahman’s tenure. Incidents such as bank looting, massive money laundering, or the government covering budget deficits by draining funds from banks were unheard of back then. Thanks to his policies and management, the country’s foreign currency reserves also remained in a strong position.

Rizvi described Saifur Rahman as an economic manager who put a stop to money laundering. He noted that the culture of looting—where funds are siphoned off through bank robberies—which has been witnessed over the past 17 years, was non-existent during Saifur Rahman’s time.

Acknowledging Saifur Rahman’s contributions to the agricultural and rural economy, Rizvi mentioned that he had emphasized alternative employment and agricultural diversification to combat ‘Monga’—the seasonal food insecurity and poverty—in the northern region. Initiatives were undertaken to boost agricultural production, reduce reliance on spice imports, and create employment opportunities through the development of rural infrastructure.

Rizvi further added that the development of rural roads and infrastructure enables people to engage in various activities—such as operating vans, rickshaws, and auto-rickshaws—during the agricultural off-season. This is how the BNP prioritized poverty alleviation.

He noted that Saifur Rahman was respected not only within Bangladesh’s economy but also on the international stage; his involvement with the World Bank and the IMF was a source of pride for the nation.

The Prime Minister’s advisor remarked that Saifur Rahman is a source of pride for the BNP. As a close associate of the late President Ziaur Rahman and *Deshnetri* Begum Khaleda Zia, he utilized his intellect and wisdom to place Bangladesh’s economy on a solid footing.

Highlighting Saifur Rahman’s vision for social security, Rizvi mentioned that he had proposed the concept of an integrated social security framework for the poor and marginalized.

Referring to the current government’s various social security initiatives, Rizvi stated that efforts must be made to improve people’s living standards through the implementation of programs such as family cards, farmer cards, expatriate cards, health cards, and canal excavation projects.

He emphasized the need to recognize Saifur Rahman’s multifaceted contributions and to follow the path he charted in order to transform the country into a food-self-sufficient, poverty-free, and prosperous nation.

Presided over by M. Naser Rahman, MP—Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Land and Saifur Rahman’s younger son—the event was also addressed by National Parliament Whip GK Gaus, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, former VP of the Government Titumir College Students’ Union AGM Shamsul Haque, and JASAS President and film actor Helal Khan, among others.

Read the news regularly and share your opinions.