IMF satisfied with Bangladesh’s economic progress: Finance minister

Bangladesh’s discussions with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on economic progress, reforms and implementation of the government’s development plans are progressing well, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Thursday.
The IMF was satisfied with Bangladesh’s economic progress, taking into account the economic situation inherited by the government and ongoing global conflicts, he said.
The minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after meeting IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
Amir Khosru said the Bangladesh and IMF teams had held detailed discussions over the past several days, exchanging information and reviewing various issues.
The two sides also reviewed several matters at Thursday’s meeting, he said.
The IMF raised concerns over certain areas, including the banking sector and the tax-to-GDP ratio, while Bangladesh also presented its observations on some issues, the minister said.
“Such observations are normal,” he said, adding that the government had made progress on several issues and resolved some of them. Discussions on the remaining matters would continue over the coming months.
Regarding a new IMF programme, Amir Khosru said the discussions had progressed well and the process was moving forward. He expressed hope that continued negotiations would lead to a final decision in the coming days.
The meeting also discussed banking sector recapitalisation, the tax-to-GDP ratio and economic stability, he said.
Bangladesh was holding discussions with the IMF, the World Bank and other multilateral development partners on these issues, with all parties interested in advancing the country’s economy through cooperation and partnership, he added.
On implementing the government’s election manifesto, the minister said various programmes had been undertaken to fulfil its commitments.
The government would work with the IMF, the World Bank and other multilateral institutions to implement its development plans, he said.
Regarding programme conditions and differences of opinion, Amir Khosru said such conditions were inevitable and any disagreements should be resolved through dialogue.
Expressing optimism about Bangladesh’s economic outlook, he said the discussions had progressed this far because the country had a credible strategy.
The government wanted to accelerate economic development through partnerships with the IMF, the World Bank and other multilateral development institutions, he added.
The 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings began in Bangkok on October 12 and will continue until October 18.
Finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and representatives of development partner organisations from various countries are attending the meetings.