Bangladesh and the International Monetary Fund have agreed on the broad framework for a new lending programme, with reforms to be introduced gradually to reflect the country’s tough economic conditions, the finance minister said on Monday.
Background
Bangladesh entered the IMF bailout programme in 2023 under then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a severe foreign exchange crisis. About $3.8 billion have been disbursed so far.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, which took office in February after elections, is seeking a new IMF arrangement as persistent inflation, slowing growth and pressure on foreign exchange reserves continue to weigh on the economy.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said reforms would be implemented in phases and that the IMF had agreed with the government’s sequencing of reforms while recognising the need to also protect public welfare.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
