Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed overall satisfaction with Bangladesh’s ongoing economic reform measures, while urging faster progress in certain areas.
“The IMF said the situation is overall good, but they are looking at the challenges. We are moving under a plan, but they think if some steps can be taken a little faster, it would yield better results,” he told reporters after chairing meetings of the Advisers Council Committees on Economic Affairs and Government Purchase at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Dr Salehuddin said the IMF views Bangladesh’s progress as “generally positive,” but noted concerns over the pace of policy implementation, particularly regarding interest rate adjustments.
“Increasing the policy rate can’t be done suddenly. Everyone knows that. We have to ensure supply-side improvements at the same time,” he added.
Banking Sector Concerns
The adviser said the IMF has identified the banking sector as a major area of concern, placing five banks under observation. Strengthening financial governance and undertaking tough reforms remain essential, he noted.
Revenue Reforms on Track
Regarding revenue administration, Dr Salehuddin said the IMF is satisfied with the National Board of Revenue’s recent progress but expects reforms to continue. “The process has become principled, but manpower restructuring and capacity enhancement will take time,” he said.
He acknowledged that a full turnaround may not be achieved during the current government’s tenure, but emphasized that significant groundwork and structural preparations will be completed. “We may not reach the final conclusion, but the logical framework and preparatory work will be done,” he said.
No New IMF Conditions
Responding to questions on new IMF conditions, the adviser clarified that no fresh conditions have been set. “This was more like a consultation. They expressed satisfaction with the measures we have taken so far. The financial situation is largely under control, and the remaining time will be used for consolidation,” he noted.
IMF Loan Programme
The IMF’s $4.7 billion loan programme, approved in January 2023, aims to support Bangladesh’s economic stability and fiscal reforms. In June 2025, the IMF revised the total loan amount to $5.5 billion.
On June 23, the IMF released the fourth and fifth tranches worth $1.3 billion, bringing total disbursements to $3.6 billion.
Further disbursements remain linked to progress on policy performance benchmarks and structural reforms.
