IMF positive about lending $3b more: Finance adviser

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the IMF is positive about providing $3 billion in budget support loan on top of the $4.7 billion package, adding that he would formally discuss the matter with IMF chief in October.

On Thursday, he has also assured an IMF delegation of starting economic reform works in line with the $4.7 billion scheme, the finance adviser told reporters at Bangladesh Secretariat in the capital on Sunday.

When hinted about providing additional $3 billion loan support, the IMF delegates were very positive about it, he said. The issue would be ultimately discussed at the October IMF board meeting in Washington.

Furthermore, the Russian ambassador has agreed to delay the start of loan repayments by Bangladesh by two years, in view of the South Asian country’s ongoing economic troubles.

The Russian loans were taken to finance the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, work for which would continue, Dr Salehuddin said.