Written by The Banking Post
The government remains confident of securing the final tranche of its loan programme with the International Monetary Fund, with negotiations described as “positive” and ongoing.
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury dismissed speculation that the IMF has stalled the disbursement, saying discussions are progressing constructively ahead of the next programme review.
“There has been no such discussion about blocking any instalment. This is a work in progress,” he told journalists on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington.
He said both sides are working to resolve outstanding issues, with expectations of reaching further consensus within the next few weeks. “This is not a one-day process. Dialogue will continue,” he added.
The minister described his meetings with IMF officials and World Bank President Ajay Banga as “highly positive”, noting alignment between development partners and the government’s economic agenda.
He said institutions, including the International Finance Corporation, are keen to support reforms, particularly in the banking sector.
While many programme conditions have been met, he acknowledged that several issues remain under discussion. “These are complex matters that require time to resolve,” he said.
Bangladesh entered the IMF programme in January 2023 with an initial $4.7 billion package, later expanded to $5.5 billion. So far, $3.64 billion has been disbursed, leaving $1.86 billion yet to be released.
A scheduled tranche was delayed last December pending engagement with an elected government, making the upcoming review a key milestone for the country’s macroeconomic stability and credit outlook.
A high-level delegation from Bangladesh is attending the Spring Meetings, which run from April 13 to April 18, as the government steps up efforts to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.
