IMF team meets BNP, discusses reforms in financial, social sectors

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met leaders of the BNP today (9 November) and discussed various issues, including reforms in the financial and social sectors.

The IMF team, led by its Bangladesh Mission Chief Chris Papageorgiou, held the meeting at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office, said BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury led the four-member party delegation.

The other members were BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council members Md Ismail Zabihullah and Ziauddin Hyder, and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed.

Shairul said both sides discussed the preliminary findings of the IMF's ongoing mission review report.

"The key issues of discussion included value-added tax (VAT) harmonisation and the reduction of exemptions under a new technical assistance programme, increasing corporate tax to improve the GDP-to-tax revenue ratio, reforming the banking sector, and raising social sector spending, which the BNP delegation highlighted as one of the party's key policy priorities," he said.

He said the BNP delegation stressed that reforms in the financial, tax, and social sectors are essential to ensure sustainable economic stability in Bangladesh. 

"They said the BNP believes that long-term growth is not possible without an accountable and transparent financial management system."

He said the IMF team appreciated the BNP's reform-focused policy priorities and constructive approach.

The meeting ended with both sides expressing hope for continued policy dialogue and greater co-operation in the future, Shairul added.