The IMF will discuss disbursing $645 as part of a $4.7 billion loan package for Bangladesh in June instead of March as both the Prof Yunus-led government and the Washington-based lender want more time for Bangladesh to meet bailout conditions.
Finance Adviser Salehduddin Ahmed revealed the development on Monday saying the government, alongside IMF, has sought the delay because “our macroeconomic indicators are currently stable and we have our own economic priorities.”
The sum of $645 million is the fourth tranche of the $4.7 billion package and discussions on its disbursement have been pushed back for the second time. It was originally set to be placed at the IMF Executive Board meeting on 5 February for final approval, but was deferred for the first time to 12 March.
In June, proposals for the fourth and fifth tranches would be tabled simultaneously at the IMF meeting, the finance adviser told reporters after a session of the Deputy Commissioners' Conference.
“Many think we are begging for IMF loans, but that is not the case. We are following conditions that align with our own economic needs. Not every condition set by the IMF must be immediately met,” the adviser told reporters.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
