Finance Minister AMA Muhith is used to signing the tune that suits the occasion, says renowned economist Abul Barkat.

Barkat referred to Muhith's statements about former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman and some others after the cyber heist and then withdrawing them while speaking at an event in Chittagong on Saturday.

Barkat, who is a colleague of Atiur Rahman in the Dhaka University, did not however comment on the recent cyber heist.

Barkat and Muhith have never pulled on well and the economist feels this explains why he was not given an extension as chairman of the Janata Bank Limited.

"Muhith sometime says money is no problem, then says he can't go for a big budget," said Barkat.

"He wants privatisation. But liberalisation does not mean all-out privatisation," said Barkat, adding: "If he has the guts, let him privatise primary healthcare and primary education."