Dhaka: Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, announced a notable increase in Bangladesh's foreign debt repayment over the first 10 months of the current fiscal year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Mahmud, who also serves as an adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, disclosed via his verified Facebook account that Bangladesh has repaid USD 350 crore in foreign debt from July to April of the fiscal year 2024-25. This repayment figure has already exceeded the total amount paid during the entire previous fiscal year.
The adviser highlighted that the repayment amount for the first 10 months increased by 24.73 percent compared to the same period last year. He detailed that principal repayments amounted to approximately USD 2.02 billion, marking a 32.86 percent rise from the USD 1.66 billion repaid during the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.
In a separate communication, Asif Mahmud addressed the issue of urban water-logging following recent heavy rainfall. He noted that water-logging this season has been "less severe than ever before" due to proactive drainage management.
He explained that drainage systems were prepared in advance to ensure proper water flow and credited city corporation workers for remaining active throughout the night during rainfall events, significantly reducing water stagnation. Mahmud encouraged residents to contact the control room if they encounter water-logging in their areas, reaffirming the government's commitment to addressing such challenges promptly.