The government is not withdrawing from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) new loan programme, but is aligning the lender’s conditions and framework with Bangladesh’s current economic reality and its five-year development plan—a process expected to conclude between January and February next year, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday.
 
Speaking to journalists after inaugurating the two-day 'International Debt Conference Bangladesh 2026' at Hotel Ocean Paradise in Cox’s Bazar, the minister noted that two working groups are currently working to resolve existing differences with the IMF. Once the necessary adjustments are finalised through dialogue, the loan programme will move forward at its normal pace.
 
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Investment and Capital Markets Tanvir Shahriar Gani, Finance Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek, and other senior Finance Ministry officials were present at the event.
 
Responding to questions regarding the rationale behind continuing with strict IMF conditions despite having access to alternative financing sources, Amir Khasru said the government has no plans to sever ties or terminate the loan programme. Instead, it aims to implement the programme in harmony with domestic economic realities, public interest, and national development priorities.
 
AVOIDING ABRUPT PRESSURE ON CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES
 
The Finance Minister pointed out that the ongoing IMF loan agreement was negotiated during the tenure of the previous unelected government, and it is not feasible for the current elected administration to implement all those agreed conditions overnight.
"Enforcing these conditions abruptly could increase pressure on ordinary citizens while simultaneously harming trade, commerce, and the broader economy," he explained, adding that the government seeks time and continuity in executing the reforms.
 
He noted that the government has already aligned its development plans with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and similar discussions are underway to bring the IMF programme into sync with national priorities.
 
According to the government, a lack of coordination among development partners creates complications in project implementation; hence, external programmes are being calibrated to match national capacity and economic realities.
 
RESOLUTION EXPECTED BY JANUARY–FEBRUARY
 
Reiterating the government’s clear stance on continuing the loan arrangement, the minister said efforts are focused on securing practical modifications to the implementation timeline of the conditions through ongoing working-group negotiations.
 
The government expects these discussions and alignment processes to conclude by January or February, paving the way for the IMF programme to proceed smoothly without undermining macroeconomic stability, public welfare, or development goals.
 
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is hosting its maiden international conference on public debt management in an effort to address mounting debt pressures, reduce borrowing costs and risks, and explore new avenues for financing development activities.