Senior economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya on Monday commented that the government’s move to split the NBR into two entities was the right move and aligns with the “White Paper Committee,” but rejected the way it was done.

It was done without consultations with stakeholders all the while the stakeholders were kept in check, he noted, calling for resolving the problems on a priority basis.

The economist was speaking at a pre-budget discussion session organised by the "Citizen's Platform for SDGs" in the capital.

It cannot be said with certainty that the economy has turned a corner following years of troubles, as unemployment is rising, poverty growing, real income falling and revenue income remains poor.