As many as six out of nine main economic indicators, prepared by the Bangladesh Bank, signal significant challenges the new government is facing now, while economists attribute to persisting global and local adversities, the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) has said.

The six weaker parameters are foreign exchange reserves, import volume, domestic debt, export receipts, food stock, and Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, according to the MCCI in its review of the economic situation for October-December of FY2023-24.

Nevertheless, the economy has shown some signs of improvement in the second quarter of the FY, it said, adding that exports and imports are two important drivers of the economy, and amid the present situation, both areas have done better.

However, there was a slowdown in external demand, weak remittance inflow, shortfall in revenue collection and slow public expenditure, rise in inflation, depreciation of Taka, a decline in foreign exchange reserves, unemployment situation, and low investment in recent months, the chamber said.

The MCCI urged the government to take more actions to make the foreign exchange reserves stable, manage inflation, enhance revenue earnings, ensure proper electricity and gas supply for economic activities, and improve the food situation.