Govt denies delay in IMF loan instalment

The government has dismissed reports claiming that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended the next tranche of its loan to Bangladesh, stating that recent discussions between both sides were constructive and encouraging.

The clarification came following meetings held on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury led the Bangladesh delegation in two separate sessions with IMF officials, according to a statement issued by the press wing of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.

The first meeting was held with Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, along with his team. A second session later in the day involved talks with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke and his colleagues.

Rejecting recent media reports, the statement described claims that the IMF had withheld the next loan instalment due to unmet reform conditions as “completely false.” It also dismissed suggestions of a prior decision or related meeting on the matter as inaccurate.

“No such discussion or decision was made in today’s meetings,” the statement said, adding that the engagements took place in a “positive and lively” atmosphere.

During the discussions, the finance minister outlined the policy direction of the newly elected government and highlighted key commitments of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The talks focused on improving revenue collection and advancing reforms in the banking and financial sectors.

According to the statement, both sides reached consensus on most issues, while identifying a few areas requiring further engagement.

The minister also reiterated the government’s firm stance on issues affecting public interest.

“Both sides agreed that discussions would continue and that outstanding issues could be resolved through dialogue,” it added.

Despite some differences, both the government and the IMF expressed optimism that continued negotiations would lead to a mutually acceptable outcome.

The IMF also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh as a development partner during the tenure of the current administration.