Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s ongoing programme with the IMF remains on track, with the next review scheduled for July as the government pushes ahead with economic reforms to stabilise the financial sector and support growth.
“We already have a programme with the IMF and it is ongoing. There is no issue with it going for further review,” he told reporters after a meeting with IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan at the Finance Ministry.
He said discussions are continuing on programme conditions and their implementation in line with current economic realities. On financing, the minister noted that talks are underway regarding the next disbursement, with around $1.3 billion expected by June, subject to review. The issue will also be discussed at the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. in April.
The minister acknowledged that Bangladesh is facing economic challenges, particularly in the banking sector, which he described as weak, along with difficulties in the capital market and a low tax-to-GDP ratio.
He said the government is implementing reforms outlined in its election manifesto, focusing on deregulation, improving the ease of doing business, and reducing business costs. Several social-sector initiatives are already underway, including family support programmes, farmer assistance schemes, and agricultural credit measures.
Chowdhury added that development projects stalled during the previous interim period due to financial constraints would be revived as part of broader recovery efforts. “To revive these projects, we must undertake financial reforms and bring the economy to a stable position. Further measures will be reflected in the upcoming national budget,” he said.
Responding to questions, IMF official Krishna Srinivasan said financing discussions are closely tied to policy engagement and remain ongoing with the government. “Any discussion on financing is based on policy discussions, and that’s what we had with the minister this morning,” he said.
Addressing global uncertainties, including the impact of war, Srinivasan said such factors affect all countries, including Bangladesh. He added that the IMF will continue working closely with Bangladesh to address economic challenges.
The finance minister also highlighted recent government efforts to manage economic pressures amid global disruptions, including fuel supply constraints and inflation risks during Ramadan and Eid. He said transport services remained operational without fare hikes, essential commodity prices were relatively stable, and there was no unrest in the garment sector, with workers receiving wages on time.
“The government alone cannot do everything,” he said, stressing that public cooperation and restraint are essential. “While global factors are beyond our control, we can overcome this crisis together.”
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
