Staff Reporter :
Finance Adviser Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed has stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is optimistic about providing Bangladesh with an additional $3 billion in budget support.
Speaking to a group of journalists at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday, Dr Ahmed said, “The IMF sought to understand whether interim governments have plans to implement the reform conditions associated with the $4.7 billion loans.”
He assured the IMF that reform efforts have already commenced and that the government is committed to their successful implementation.
Dr. Ahmed further added, “We indicated our interest in securing another $3 billion in budget support, and the IMF responded positively.
I will discuss this matter with the IMF Managing Director during the IMF board meeting in Washington this October.”
The finance adviser mentioned that the IMF review mission would be conducted in Bangladesh during September.
In conversation with the journalists, Dr. Saleh Uddin confirmed the continuation of the Rooppur nuclear power plant project.
He stated, “Bangladesh has requested a two-year extension before beginning the repayment of loans to Russia. The Russian ambassador to Bangladesh has expressed a positive outlook regarding this request.”
The finance adviser acknowledged that the Russian ambassador had expressed concerns about the continuation of the Rooppur project and loan repayment.
Dr. Ahmed assured the ambassador, “We will make regular payments on our loan installments.”
Last Thursday, Resident Representative Jayendu De held a virtual meeting with the finance adviser.
Finance Secretary Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder was also present during the meeting.