Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday warned that Bangladesh faces at least two more difficult years before its economy can recover from the current downturn, signalling tough and potentially unpopular decisions ahead.

“We need cushions for two years. The next two years will be difficult. We will have to make many decisions. We will take many measures that may not be popular. So, to get out of a difficult situation, we will have to make many difficult decisions,” he said.

The Finance Minister made the remarks, participating in the discussion on thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech.

He sought cooperation from the opposition in the national interest in this economic revitalisation process. “We all have to work together to get me out of here. Our leadership is good. Our captain is okay and his vision is good,” he said.

Khosru said though it is not an easy task, Bangladesh will be able to come out of the situation. “We need cooperation from all here,” he said.