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Friday | October 16, 2026 | Dhaka

‘New IMF loan to come with conditions’

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:36 AM, 16 October 2026

Bangladesh and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have made progress in discussions over a new loan programme, with banking sector reforms, tax revenue and macroeconomic stability emerging as key areas of negotiation.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Thursday (15 October) that Bangladesh would have to meet certain conditions to secure fresh financial assistance from the IMF, while some requirements would be finalised through further negotiations.

“Discussions have been held with the IMF on a new programme. There will be conditions attached to the loan, and we will have to fulfil them.

Some issues will be resolved through discussions and mutual agreement,” he told reporters in Bangkok.

The minister made the remarks following a meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group.

He said discussions on the proposed programme were progressing positively, although both sides would need further negotiations to finalise the conditions and determine how Bangladesh would implement them.

According to the minister, the IMF raised several issues concerning Bangladesh’s economy, including weaknesses in the banking sector, the low tax-to-GDP ratio, bank recapitalisation and broader macroeconomic stability.

He said Bangladesh shared the IMF’s assessment of these challenges and had already taken steps to address several of them.

Responding to questions about the credibility of the government’s reform measures, Khosru said Bangladesh had also presented its observations during the discussions.

He reiterated that both sides broadly agreed on the need to address banking sector problems and improve tax revenue collection.

The finance minister also said the IMF had expressed satisfaction with Bangladesh’s recent economic performance despite global uncertainties, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

He attributed the assessment to the country’s progress following the national budget, saying the government remained committed to maintaining economic stability.

Khosru said Bangladesh would continue engaging with the IMF, World Bank and other multilateral development partners to support its economic development priorities.

The 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings began in Bangkok on 12 October and will continue until 18 October, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and representatives of international financial institutions.