Bangladesh is expecting to receive the next $1.3 billion instalment from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by July, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Tuesday after a meeting with Krishna Srinivasan. He noted that the final decision on the disbursement will be taken during the IMF’s Spring Meetings in Washington this April, while the government prepares for the programme review alongside the upcoming national budget.
The minister said Bangladesh remains engaged with the IMF programme and is continuing discussions on reform measures, though not all conditions can be implemented immediately due to current economic realities. He emphasised that reforms will be implemented gradually, considering feasibility and economic stability.
He highlighted ongoing challenges including a fragile banking sector, weak capital market, and a low tax-to-GDP ratio, alongside rising global uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions affecting energy supply.
Despite these pressures, the government has maintained stability in key sectors, particularly transport and garments during the Ramadan and Eid period, avoiding major disruptions.
The government is also focusing on expanding social safety programmes, reviving stalled development projects, and improving the overall ease of doing business through gradual reforms and deregulation. The minister urged citizens to remain patient and avoid panic consumption amid fuel-related concerns.
