BNP calls for urgent financial, tax reforms during IMF delegation visit

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met senior BNP leaders at the party chairperson's office in Dhaka's Gulshan this morning, during which the party called for urgent reforms in Bangladesh's financial sector and tax system to ensure sustainable economic stability.

The IMF team was led by Chris Papageorgiou, adviser to IMF's Bangladesh mission chief, while the BNP delegation was headed by Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Chairperson's Advisory Council members Ismail Zabiullah and Ziauddin Haider, and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present during the meeting.

According to a statement issued by BNP's media cell, the party told the IMF delegation that long-term economic stability depends on fundamental reforms in the financial sector, tax administration, and social safety nets.

Discussions focused on the IMF mission's preliminary findings in Bangladesh, including harmonisation of value added tax (VAT), reduction or removal of tax exemptions, improving the tax-to-GDP ratio, comprehensive banking sector reforms, and increased investment in social sectors.

The IMF delegation appreciated BNP's reform-oriented approach and its proposed policy priorities, the statement added. Both sides expressed hope for continued dialogue and cooperation on future policy matters.