IMF
Excessive foreign debt erodes financial independence
In the 1970s, an American development economist visited Bangladesh. At one point, he gave a speech to the faculty members of Dhaka University. The economics department’s professors were notably present at this event. During his address, the American economist presented his views on why Bangladesh’s economic development was not progressing to the desired level. The professors in attendance listened intently to his words. At that moment, a young economics professor from Dhaka University stood up and said to the American economist, "The reason we are unable to achieve the desired level of development is because you are intervening in our economy in various ways." After a brief pause, the American economist replied to the young professor, saying, "If 80 percent of the funds for your country's development activities come from us, whose economy is it? If you were able to finance your development from domestic sources, we would not need to offer any advice." Hearing this, the young professor remained silent and sat down.
Why sudden VAT increase amid high inflation?
For the past two years, the people of the country have been struggling against rampant high inflation. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the average inflation last year was 10.34 per cent. Although the overall inflation decreased slightly in September, food inflation remained above 10 per cent. BBS data shows that in December, food inflation was 12.92 per cent, while non-food inflation was 9.26 per cent.
Are borrowers or bankers more to blame for default loans?
According to the latest statistics from Bangladesh Bank, the total amount of default loans in the country's banking sector has reached 2,84,977 crore taka. This constitutes 16.93 per cent of the total loans disbursed by banks. In July, the amount of default loans was 2,11,391 crore taka. Therefore, in just three months, the amount of default loans in the banking sector has increased by 73,586 crore taka. During this period, the amount of default loans in state-owned banks has increased by 23,628 crore taka, while in private banks, the increase was 49,885 crore taka.
Interim government can initiate reforms, elected government to execute
One hundred days is not a long time to evaluate the activities of a regular government. For this special type of government, we must be even more flexible. However, after taking office, an evaluation can be made of what responsibilities this government could have fulfilled and what it has actually done in those 100 days. Such an evaluation is needed to make the current government’s role more effective. This government has more opportunities to accomplish things compared to a regular government, because it does not have any political affiliations. If it wishes, it can take various initiatives for the public interest. Since this interim government has come to power through a popular uprising, expectations from it are high. They do not have to worry about elections. If they take the people's aspirations into account, they can accomplish significant work.
Forex reserves cross $26b: BB
Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have crossed US$26 billion as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided $1.15 billion loans and other lenders provided $900 million.
Country's reserves $24.16 billion in May
According to the BPM6 method of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bangladesh's reserves amount to $18,633.5 million, said Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali in response to a question from Jatiya Party Member of Parliament ABM Ruhul Amin Howladar.
IMF Loan: Bangladesh to get $112cr in 3rd installment
The Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the disbursement of the third installment of the $4.7 billion loan for Bangladesh.
ISPR requests not to get misled by rumours over security of St. Martin’s
Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR) has urged all not to be misguided by rumours spreading through social media over the security of St. Martin’s island centering Myanmar's ongoing internal conflict near the island.
IMF loan: Third tranche of $4.7b to be disbursed in June
Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali has said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would disburse the third installment of 4.7 billion dollars of its loan to Banglade3sh in June next.
Was devaluation necessary?
Under the crawling peg system, Bangladesh Bank has set the intermediate dollar price at Tk 117 and instructed banks to trade freely around this rate. A few days ago, economists advocated for a 'floating exchange rate' to maintain the dollar's value as fully market-oriented. They argued that the exchange rate between our currency and foreign currencies should be determined by market forces, with no authority intervening. However, Bangladesh Bank opted not to introduce a floating exchange rate, instead implementing the crawling peg system to manage the exchange rate. Unlike a floating exchange rate, a crawling peg system is not entirely free and open, as it involves some degree of control by the authorities. In this system, the upper and lower limits of the currency exchange rate are set, and the currency must be exchanged within these specified limits.
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