Finance Minister, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, has said there is no immediate basis to confirm whether the next loan tranche from the International Monetary Fund will be released, as talks between the two sides continue.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., the minister said several issues remain unresolved and would be addressed through further negotiations over the coming weeks.
“There is no opportunity to say yes or no at this stage regarding the IMF tranche. Discussions are not ending today; they will continue. This is an ongoing process,” he said.
The IMF has yet to decide on the release of the next instalment under Bangladesh’s loan programme. The minister said negotiations were progressing, with many issues settled while a small number remain under discussion.
He also rejected reports suggesting the IMF had withheld a $1.3bn tranche due to weak revenue collection and delays in banking sector reforms, saying he had no knowledge of such a decision.
“Those who reported it should be able to explain it. I have no information about such a development,” he added.
Bangladesh is currently under a $5.5bn programme with the IMF, of which more than $3.5bn has already been disbursed in five instalments. Talks over the release of a previously delayed tranche — held back during the tenure of an interim government — have been ongoing.
A Bangladeshi delegation led by the finance minister attended the Spring Meetings, which began on 13 April, with securing the next disbursement a key priority. The issue was central to discussions with the IMF’s deputy managing director.
During the meetings, the IMF reiterated the need for Bangladesh to accelerate reforms, particularly in revenue mobilisation and the banking sector.
The finance minister said Dhaka would continue its engagement with the IMF while safeguarding national interests, adding that outstanding issues are expected to be resolved within the next 15 to 20 days.