Government pushes back against reports of IMF loan tranche suspension 

The government has rejected reports that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended the next tranche of its loan to Bangladesh, following meetings held on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings.

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Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury led the Bangladesh delegation in two meetings with IMF officials yesterday, according to a statement from the Press Wing of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.

The first meeting was held in the morning with Krishna Srinivasan, director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, and his team. The second took place in the afternoon with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke and his team.

The statement described as “completely false” media reports claiming that the IMF had withheld the next loan tranche due to Bangladesh’s failure to implement reforms.

It clarified that no such decision had been taken and that no meeting between Bangladesh and the IMF had taken place the previous day, contrary to reports.

“No such discussion or decision was made in today’s meetings,” the statement said.

It added that the discussions were held in a “positive and lively” atmosphere.

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

Both sides discussed measures to increase revenue collection and advance reforms in the banking and financial sectors. They reached agreement on most issues, while identifying several areas requiring further discussion.

The minister also reiterated the government’s firm position on matters directly affecting public interest.

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

While differences remained on some points, both parties expressed optimism about reaching consensus through continued engagement.

The IMF reaffirmed its role as a development partner of Bangladesh and signalled its intention to continue supporting the country during the tenure of the democratically elected government.