Dhaka: A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the party Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The meeting was held in the capital and focused on key economic reforms and policy priorities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the delegation was led by Chris Papageorgiou, the Bangladesh Mission Chief of the IMF. On the BNP side, Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury led the team, which included Adviser to the BNP Chairperson Md Ismail Zabihullah, Dr. Ziauddin Haidar, and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaed.
The discussion centered around the preliminary findings of the IMF’s ongoing mission review report. The meeting focused on new Technical Assistance related to the harmonization of Value Added Tax (VAT), addressing exemptions, and improving the GDP-to-Tax Revenue ratio by increasing corporate tax. Reforms in the banking sector and enhanced spending on the social sector were also highlighted as BNP’s policy priorities.
The BNP asserted that reforms in the financial sector, tax system, and social sector are essential for Bangladesh’s sustainable economic stability. The party emphasized that long-term growth requires accountable and transparent financial management.
The IMF delegation acknowledged the BNP’s proposed policy priorities and reform-based approach. The meeting concluded with an expectation of increased policy dialogue and cooperation in the future.