Though the country faces economic challenges, the situation is not as critical as suggested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Thursday. “The IMF has expressed various apprehensions, but the economy is not as bleak as projected. However, there are undeniable challenges we must address,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. His remarks came as a 10-member IMF delegation is in Dhaka to review Bangladesh’s economic progress under the ongoing loan programme. Govt trying to keep prices of essentials tolerable till Ramadan: Finance Adviser The review is part of the preparation for the fourth tranche of funds. During discussions with government officials, the IMF noted that the economy is under pressure due to a range of factors, including political unrest, floods and contractionary policies. The IMF has predicted that Bangladesh’s growth rate could drop to 3.8% by the end of the year. It further highlighted slow economic activity and persistent inflationary pressures. Capital outflows from banks have added strain to foreign exchange reserves, the delegation said. The IMF delegation head, Chris Papageorgiou, offered a brighter outlook for the next fiscal year. Politics won’t affect trade ties with India: Finance Adviser He projected GDP growth to increase to 6.7%, with inflation falling to 5-6%, and emphasised the need for structural reforms, including tax reforms, strengthening the banking sector with a clear roadmap, and ensuring the central bank's independence. About the Beximco Group ‘bailout’, Dr Ahmed justified the move, citing humanitarian grounds. “The funds were necessary to ensure workers received their wages. Wrongdoers must be punished, but workers should not suffer.” Looking ahead, Dr Ahmed assured that the 2025-26 budget would focus on protecting the poor from tax burdens. He criticised certain business practices, stating, “Entrepreneurs are constantly seeking loopholes. Those with Tk 500 million in business refuse to pay Tk 40 million in taxes. This must change.” Meanwhile, the IMF confirmed that Bangladesh would receive $645 million from the fourth tranche of its loan programme by the end of February, with an equal amount due in the fifth tranche. Before disbursing the fifth tranche, another review is scheduled for March or April.  

Some banks are recovering well, while others may continue to struggle, but no banks will be shut down, said Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday. “Some banks are recovering. Islami Bank, the largest bank, is improving. However, some banks will continue to struggle. But we will not shut down any bank,” he said while speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, organised by the Ministry of Finance. Finance Adviser prioritises short-term reforms over long-term ones The Finance Adviser mentioned that the government’s commitment to stabilising the banking sector despite challenges. He also focused on fiscal management, mentioning that measures are being taken to reduce government expenditure. “Salaries and allowances for government officials will not be impacted,” he assured. Referring to the Annual Development Programme (ADP), Dr Salehuddin Ahmed mentioned that projects deemed unnecessary or influenced by political considerations are being reviewed for possible adjustments. Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Majumdar, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division Nazma Mobarak, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) Md Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, and National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan were also present at the press conference.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said that the government is actively working to restore investor confidence in Bangladesh’s capital market, with a focus on both short- and long-term stability measures. Following a meeting with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) at its headquarters in Dhaka’s Agargaon, Dr. Salehuddin addressed reporters, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing current market challenges. “We are committed to resolving existing and past issues in the stock market so that both local and international investors feel secure in their investments,” Dr. Salehuddin said. “Our approach includes both immediate measures and long-term plans to build a sustainable and robust capital market.” Finance Adviser urges banks to ensure rigorous loan scrutiny and inclusive lending He further noted that the discussions centered around key issues, including liquidity challenges and mutual funds, to ensure a more resilient market structure. BSEC Chairman Khondokar Rashed Maqsood, also present at the meeting, emphasized that several policy concerns were raised with the Finance Adviser. “I outlined key policy issues, and we anticipate that the ministry will make some visible, swift decisions to address pressing problems,” he said. The discussions touched on critical areas such as negative equity, liquidity support, tax reforms, buyback policies, and banking sector reform, all aimed at stabilizing the market and providing investor reassurance. The Finance Adviser also consulted with committees investigating stock market irregularities, signaling the government’s intent to tackle regulatory issues head-on.