Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said uncertainty has become the “new normal” in the global economy, making evidence-based policymaking increasingly important amid slower growth, high borrowing costs and growing trade protectionism.
“Accurate and data-driven policymaking is the key to navigating the current challenges in the global economy,” he said while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony of Econathon 2026, a national inter-university economics competition, at United International University (UIU) in Dhaka on Saturday.
Khosru said policymakers frequently have to make important decisions with limited information and therefore need to make the best possible use of available data.
He said rising energy prices, pressure on foreign exchange, the impacts of climate change and inflation have put growing pressure on people’s purchasing power.
“Macroeconomic stability and modernisation of the tax system are necessary to overcome these pressures,” he said, adding that ensuring transparency and effective use of every taka collected from taxpayers remains a government priority.
The finance minister also stressed the importance of developing skills alongside integrity and humanity.
“No nation can progress without skills, and without honesty and humanity, skills cannot guide society in the right direction,” he told the students.
He urged young economists to understand economics beyond academic examinations and use their knowledge to serve the country through sound policy and integrity.
A total of 224 teams from universities across the country registered for Econathon 2026, which featured quiz, case-solving and policymaking rounds.
Khosru praised the finalists for advancing through the competition’s rigorous stages.
Hasan Mahmud Raza, chairman of UIU’s Board of Trustees and chief adviser to United Group, attended the event as the guest of honour, while K M A Shamim, a member of the UIU Board of Trustees and adviser to United Group, was present as a special guest.
UIU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia chaired the programme.
The minister handed over prizes to the winning and participating teams at the closing ceremony.