DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith Thursday categorically said hartal and nationwide blockade, which are severely destructive for the country, put a long term impact on its economy.

The finance minister came up with the observation while talking to journalists after a meeting with European Union ambassador Pierre Mayaudon in city.

Muhith hoped that the prevailing situation of the country will improve by next week.

He further said no political party will make their hartal successful after two or three years as people of the country will not accept such a destructive movement.

While asked about the incumbent government’s move to quell political unrest, he said that he does not know anything about this.

On the proposal of businesspeople to ban hartal by law, Muhith said, “I also support it.”

The ruling Awami League lawmaker also told journalists that there was little conversation about the current political situation during his meeting with the EU envoy.

He said that the EU will no longer finance to SPNP budget reform project that started in 1994.

According to the minister, this program helped modernize budget planning.

He assured that the government would talk to the development partners to keep the project continue.

BDST: 1750 HRS, JAN 15, 2015