NEWS Desk
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appreciated the government’s ongoing economic reforms and fiscal management efforts, expressing confidence in its phased reform strategy.
“The government presented its reform strategy based on a gradual and well-sequenced approach, stressing that major economic reforms cannot be implemented overnight. The IMF agreed with the government’s phased reform plan, recognising the need to align policy implementation with prevailing economic realities and national priorities,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with IMF Mission Chief for Bangladesh and Hong Kong Ivo Krznar at the Finance Ministry in the city, said a press release.
The minister said both sides held constructive discussions that laid the groundwork for future engagement under the IMF-supported programme.
He, however, said the welfare of the people remains at the centre of all economic decisions and reforms.
Referring to the discussions, Khosru said the IMF expressed satisfaction over the government’s progress in several key areas during the past four months, including financial sector reforms, capital market development and revenue mobilisation.
He said the IMF particularly appreciated the government’s revenue collection efforts and acknowledged the progress made within a short period.
The two sides also discussed measures to improve Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio to strengthen long-term fiscal sustainability.
On the issue of subsidies, the minister said no specific conditions or decisions have yet been finalised, as the current discussions focused primarily on establishing the policy framework for future cooperation rather than detailed programme conditionalities.
Describing the negotiations as an ongoing process, khosru said the next round of discussions with the IMF is expected to take place on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in September or October.
He expressed optimism that the IMF’s positive assessment of the government’s reform efforts would help facilitate future economic programmes and strengthen continued cooperation between Bangladesh and the global lender.
Post by Desk News
