The fourth tranche of Bangladesh’s ongoing $4.7 billion credit programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will not be available in the near future, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed on Monday. Initially scheduled for presentation at the IMF executive board meeting on February 5, the proposal had already been postponed to March 12. However, it will now be deferred until June.
Speaking to reporters after the second day of the deputy commissioners (DC) conference, Ahmed clarified that the expected $685 million (approximately BDT 68.5 crore) installment would not be disbursed in March. Instead, Bangladesh will present a joint proposal for the disbursement of both the fourth and fifth installments together at the IMF board meeting in June.
“We have indicated that we have certain tasks to complete, so we are not in a hurry,” said Ahmed. “Let me clarify something, you may think that we are begging for money. However, the reality is that we must adhere to numerous conditions and bring in funds based on our requirements. It is not simply a matter of agreeing to conditions and fulfilling them immediately.”
The finance adviser assured that the country’s macroeconomic situation remains stable, with positive trends in the current account, finance account, and remittances. “Therefore, we are not in a state of urgency,” he added.
When asked whether the March proposal would still be presented to the IMF, Ahmed responded, “Not in March. We have decided to wait for a while. Let the proposal for two installments be presented together in June.”
In response to questions about whether the delay was suggested by Bangladesh or the IMF, Ahmed explained, “We suggested it, and they also agreed.”
Bangladesh’s loan programme with the IMF began on January 30, 2023. Since then, the country has received three installments: $476.3 million (approximately BDT 47.63 crore) in February 2023, $681 million (around BDT 68.1 crore) in December 2023, and $1.15 billion (around BDT 115 crore) in June 2024. In total, Bangladesh has received approximately $2.31 billion (around BDT 231 crore) through the first three installments.
The delay in the fourth tranche comes amid ongoing efforts to meet IMF conditions and complete the required tasks, with Bangladesh’s focus on maintaining stability while adhering to the terms set for the next phase of funding.
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