Dhaka, Feb. 10 -- Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday outlined the key economic challenges the next government will face, stressing the need for revitalising trade and industry, generating employment and strengthening financial sector institutions.

"If business does not expand, employment will not come. Without employment, people's purchasing power will remain weak. This is one of the biggest challenges," he said.

Talking to reporters after the purchase committee meeting, he said one of the main challenges would be to revitalise business and industrial activities, as job creation depends on a vibrant private sector.

He said Bangladesh still has a relatively small industrial base and remains heavily dependent on exports. "Ban...