New IMF loan to be taken ensuring public interest: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said any new programme with the IMF will be taken ensuring public interest and the country's economic security. He stated that the government will not participate in any IMF programme that harms the interests of the people.

Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Sunday, July 12, the finance minister said the previous government's IMF programme was against public interest and contained conditions unacceptable to a democratic government, which is why the current government withdrew from it.

"Our main concern is not about getting money, but protecting the country's interests," he said. "As an elected government, our priority is to safeguard the interests of Bangladesh's people and economy. We are moving towards a new programme that ensures the people's economic interests. Whatever programme we join, Bangladesh's interests will be fully protected."

The finance minister also said the government will reform the current visa policy to boost economic dynamism and international confidence, aiming to attract more foreign tourists and investors.