Bangladesh has made notable progress in stabilising its economy in recent months, even as it continues to grapple with multiple challenges, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said today.

Speaking at the "Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025" ceremony at the International Mother Language Institute, he pointed to improvements in foreign exchange reserves, export earnings, and the easing of inflation as signs of recovery.

"Many may not realise how severe the crisis was in August 2024. The fact that we have managed to stabilise the economy since then is a significant achievement," he said, urging journalists to remain critical but also acknowledge progress.

He pointed out that foreign exchange reserves have increased, exports are rising despite global pressures, and inflation has fallen from 14 percent to 8 percent.

The adviser cautioned against narratives that dismiss all developments under the interim government. "They overlook the significant steps we've taken to stabilise the economy. If we had not acted when we did, the situation could have been far worse."

Ahmed criticised the tendency to focus on large-scale "monument projects" that do not "serve real economic needs," warning that such selective criticism can distort public understanding.

He drew comparisons with regional economies hit far harder during crises, noting that Indonesia's GDP once halved and Thailand faced 50 percent inflation. By contrast, he argued, Bangladesh has held up relatively well.

"Yes, scepticism is healthy, but let us not fall into perpetual despair," he said, urging the media to support progress in education, healthcare, and social welfare alongside economic reporting.

Kaiser A Chowdhury, chairman of Nagad's Management Board, said responsible journalism, investigative reporting, and constructive criticism have helped Bangladesh navigate difficult times. "Bangladesh is going through a challenging period. Journalists are not immune, and neither are we."

Despite obstacles, he said Nagad has maintained financial stability and strengthened its position in the mobile financial services (MFS) market. Even after social safety net disbursements were opened to MFS providers, most beneficiaries continued choosing Nagad.

Md Motasem Billah, administrator of Nagad, said the company is now operating profitably and independently, without any support from the government or Bangladesh Bank.

He said Nagad paid Tk 276 crore in revenue to the National Board of Revenue over the past year – its highest so far. It also recorded its highest monthly transaction volume in October at Tk 35,000 crore.

A total of 27 journalists were awarded across 24 categories, including three from The Daily Star -- Shariful Islam, Helemul Alam, and Dipan Nandy.