Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday said taxes need to be increased to revive the economy, stressing that this measure will help boost investment.

He added that increasing employment remains a government priority. The minister made the remarks after inspecting land in Patenga, Chittagong, earmarked for a new hospital.

“Without investment, employment cannot grow. That is why the government is focusing on both domestic and foreign investment,” he said said.

Khasru also noted that education, health, and employment will be the priorities of the upcoming national budget.

The finance minister visited land acquired by the Bangladesh Navy in the Muslimabad area adjacent to Marine Drive, located on the west side of Banouja Ulka’s cultivation area-2. He conducted an on-site inspection of a total of 14.2190 acres and 2.7 acres of Navy-acquired land intended for the construction of a government hospital in Patenga.

During the visit, Rear Admiral Moinul Hasan, commander of the Chittagong Naval Area, briefed the minister in detail on the land’s location, geographical features, connectivity, surrounding infrastructure, and future development potential.