Confrontational politics is a major obstacle to development, he said, adding that whenever the government starts development activities, the opposition launches agitation programme to hinder it.

"We have asked the civil administration and police to go tough on the trouble-makers to maintain law and order," the minister said at the inaugural ceremony of a day-long consultative meeting on the 'Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (I-PRSP)' in Sylhet.

Held at the Rural Development Training Institute, the function was also addressed by Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury MP, Planning Commission Secretary Fazlur Rahman, Planning Commission Member Dr Mesbah Uddin Ahmed and Additional Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Ali. Divisional Commissioner Abdus Salam Khan presided.

Government officials, NGO activists, educationists, chairmen and commissioners from the four districts of the division took part in the meeting.

Criticising the role of newspapers, the minister said they do not reflect the true picture of the country.

The newspapers highlight only the negative things, which tarnishes the country's image abroad, he added.

Achievements of the government are not published in the newspapers, Saifur said.

Despite the destructive activities of the opposition and adverse global situation, growth in the economy and other sectors is much better, he said.

"Our achievements and successes are now being replicated in other countries," he added.

But the intellectuals do not praise the government's successes, Saifur said, adding that they always criticise the government activities.

The finance minister said that fundamental changes would be brought to the tax structure.

Bangladesh is the only country where people are unwilling to pay taxes, he said. "How can you expect development without money?"

Later, the minister opened a five-day computer exhibition, organised by the Bangladesh Computer Council.

He also inaugurated the Zestat Holiday Resort, a private concern, in Doloipara area on the outskirts of the city.