‘The positive side is that the government has started with a lower inflation rate in the domestic front and downward trend in international oil and commodity prices.

‘The government should utilise this advantage in a prudent manner,’ said the International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh in an editorial of its quarterly news bulletin released on January 25.

‘The new government begins its journey with a new vision of change amid huge expectations from the people for easing their economic and social woes,’ read the editorial, according to an ICCB news release. ‘The people of Bangladesh have voiced that they keenly look forward to put an end to corruption and misrule of the past.’

It also said: ‘The new government, therefore, has to turn its words into actions — combating corruption, improving governance, and bolstering the economic activities. While expectations are high, realisations are obviously very challenging, especially in the wake of global recession.’