Bangladesh won’t take loans under strict conditions: Finance Adviser

Bangla Press Desk:   Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has indicated that the government may reconsider taking loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if new or stricter conditions are imposed.

“If the IMF imposes any new or tougher conditions for disbursing the promised loan, the government will reconsider whether to take the loan or not. Instead, we will look into alternative sources, as our economy is now much more stable than before,” he said while talking to journalists on the second day of the annual IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, DC.

On the same day, the IMF and World Bank released their World Economic Outlook, noting that Bangladesh’s economy is showing signs of mild recovery in the 2025–26 fiscal year. The report projected GDP growth of 4.9 percent, up from 3.8 percent in the previous fiscal year, suggesting the economy may gain some momentum.

“If the IMF imposes new conditions or strict accounting measures, the government will reassess its decision. It has not yet been finalized whether budgetary support will be taken. However, if the IMF’s conditions are not favorable for the country, the government will focus on securing assistance from alternative sources,” Dr Ahmed said.

He added that the government is exploring cooperation with other development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Dr Ahmed also highlighted ongoing reforms across multiple sectors, particularly the banking sector, which have been discussed in detail with development partners. He noted that strengthening the regulatory framework will take time, and emphasized the importance of ensuring reform continuity for future governments. Special attention is being paid to making sure that the next generation benefits from these initiatives.

“The positive transformation of our economy is now visible on the international stage. Two new project designs with the World Bank have been finalized, which will add new dimensions to Bangladesh’s development journey. If the current stability and reform process continue, Bangladesh’s economy will perform even better in the coming years,” he added.

BP/TD