Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud says negotiations are underway to address differences over programme conditions, with discussions expected to conclude by January.

DHAKA: Bangladesh expects to reach a new financial arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by February 2027, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a two-day international debt conference jointly organised by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Finance and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the minister said discussions were underway to resolve differences between the government’s economic priorities and IMF programme conditions.

He explained that the previous financial programme had been negotiated under the former caretaker government, with some conditions proving difficult for the newly elected administration to implement.

According to Chowdhury, development partners have now aligned their financial support with the priorities of the new government, while discussions with the IMF are continuing to address outstanding differences.

“The IMF is also aligning with our programme. We’re working with the IMF on some areas where there are differences,” he said.

The finance minister expressed optimism that negotiations would be concluded by January, paving the way for a new financial arrangement by February next year.

The anticipated agreement is expected to reflect Bangladesh’s development priorities while addressing the country’s economic and financing requirements.

The negotiations mark an important step in the government’s efforts to establish a financial framework with international development partners and secure continued support from the IMF.