Talks for cooperation with WB, IMF progressing well: Finance Minister

Bangladesh’s discussions with the World Bank (WB) 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, considering the economic situation inherited by the government and the ongoing global conflicts, he said.

The minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after a meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in the Thai capital.

Amir Khosru said the relevant teams from Bangladesh and the IMF had held detailed discussions over the past several days, including exchanges of information and reviews of various issues. “The two sides also reviewed several matters at today’s meeting,” he added.

The minister said the IMF had raised concerns over certain areas, including the banking sector and the tax-to-GDP ratio, while Bangladesh also had its own observations on some issues.

“Such observations are normal,” he said, adding that the government had already made progress on several issues and resolved some of them. “Discussions on the remaining matters would continue over the coming months”.

Regarding a new programme with the IMF, the finance minister said discussions had progressed well and the process was moving forward.

He expressed the hope that continued talks would lead to a final decision in the coming days.

The meeting also discussed recapitalisation of the banking sector, the tax-to-GDP ratio and economic stability, he said.

The finance minister said Bangladesh was holding discussions with the IMF, the World Bank and other multilateral development partners on these issues, adding that all parties were interested in advancing the country’s economy through cooperation and partnership.

On implementing the government’s election manifesto, Amir Khosru said the government had undertaken various programmes to fulfil its commitments.

It would work in partnership with the IMF, the World Bank and other multilateral institutions to implement its own development plans, he added.

Regarding programme conditions and differences of opinion, the minister said such conditions were inevitable and that any disagreements should be resolved through dialogue.

Expressing optimism about Bangladesh’s economic future, he said the discussions had progressed this far because the country had a credible strategy.

The government wanted to advance the economy by working in partnership 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 12 October and will continue until 18 October.

Finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and representatives of development partner organisations from various countries are attending the meetings.