Govt expects progress on IMF programme by Jan 2027: Finance minister

Detailed summary

The government expects to finalise a clear outline and achieve concrete progress on its ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by January next year, Finance…

The government expects to finalise a clear outline and achieve concrete progress on its ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by January next year, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today.

Speaking to reporters at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) headquarters in Dhaka, the minister highlighted that a dedicated working group is currently reviewing structural reform agendas and ongoing engagements with the Washington-based lender.

"The IMF assistance is part of a broader, integrated economic package. Alongside the IMF, we are keeping the wheels of the economy moving through support from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), as well as various market bonds and alternative financing channels," he explained.

Expressing optimism about macroeconomic prospects, Khosru stated that the current administration is operating with clear targets to restore economic discipline and accelerate growth.

He forecast visible positive shifts in macroeconomic indicators, GDP growth and revenue earnings in the coming months.

Addressing fiscal execution for the current financial year, the minister anticipated stronger performance following the opening quarter. "Economic indicators will gather further momentum across the second, third and fourth quarters. Customs revenues and overall growth trajectories remain strong, and earnings will outpace first-quarter figures as every measure is being taken under a well-calculated plan," the minister said.

Emphasising fiscal accountability and expenditure control, Khosru assured that public funds would be managed with strict oversight.

"We are keeping a vigilant eye to ensure that every single paisa of taxpayers' hard-earned money is properly utilised. Projects are being designed to guarantee adequate returns on investment while generating employment across the country," the minister added.

He reiterated that timely fiscal interventions would help align government…

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Daily Star. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.