Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today declared that political democracy cannot succeed without the ‘democratisation of the economy,’ emphasizing that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be treated as a fundamental right rather than an act of state charity.
Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the three-day National Conference on ‘Navigating Five Year Strategic Framework for Achieving SDGs: Policy, Partnership and Priorities’ at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), the minister stated that every citizen has an inherent right to participate in and benefit from the national economy.
He underlined that the government’s core task is to improve the quality of life, guarantee economic, social, and civic rights, and build platforms where all citizens can engage productively. “SDG implementation is not a matter of charity.
It is about improving the quality of life of every citizen,” Khosru remarked, adding that political democracy remains incomplete if people lack meaningful economic participation.
Elaborating on this vision, the Finance Minister highlighted steps to foster a “creative economy” designed to empower traditional artisans, weavers, potters, blacksmiths, cultural performers, and sports workers.
Pointing out that craftspeople often receive low prices despite grueling labor, he stressed the need to monetise their craft through design assistance, quality inputs, financial aid, and modern branding.
Drawing parallels with Thailand’s “One Village, One Product” model, Khosru noted that connecting rural products to domestic and international markets via digital platforms is vital for sustainability.
To drive this effort, an executive committee comprising designers, input suppliers, and NGOs has already been formed, leveraging non-governmental partners for their deep grassroots reach.
Addressing broader economic management amidst tough fiscal conditions, the minister revealed that the government has reallocated resources from certain development projects toward direct social safety nets. Priority support is being funneled to low-income groups, farmers, and vulnerable communities through initiatives like the Family Card.
He added that multi-ministry coordination, citizen consultations, and pilot testing are being actively used to catch and correct implementation gaps early. Furthermore, Khosru asserted that the BNP’s election manifesto fully integrates and extends beyond the global SDGs, promising complete fulfillment if implemented in full.
He also urged policymakers to act with humanity, emphasizing the essential inclusion of persons with disabilities across all state programmes and resource allocations.
Other high-level speakers echoed the call for coordinated action. Prime Minister’s Public Administration Adviser Md. Ismail Zabihullah warned that Bangladesh’s 110th rank in the 2026 Global SDG Index leaves no room for complacency, urging field administrations to enforce time-bound action plans.
State Minister for Planning Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki stated that SDG delivery is central to national reconstruction, highlighting reforms in project clustering, financial governance, and universal social security.
The valedictory session, which also featured addresses by General Economics Division Member Dr. Monzur Hossain and PMO Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs Prof. Dr. S M Abdul-Awal, concluded with a unified call for strong inter-agency synergy to translate national strategic frameworks into tangible outcomes.