Published: 12:07 AM, 13 October 2026
Bangladesh to present its reform plan at IMF-World Bank annual meetings
Bangladesh will present its own economic reform plan at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, which began here on Monday, seeking to align international cooperation with the country's economic realities and policy priorities.
A high-level Bangladesh delegation led by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is attending the meetings, being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok from October 12 to 18.
The delegation includes Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostakur Rahman, Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Majumder and Acting Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Ahsan Habib.
Talking to BSS, Dr Titumir said that Bangladesh would present its own economic reform plan at the meetings, highlighting structural weaknesses and initiatives taken by the government to address them based on national priorities.
He said the government was seeking cooperation from international financial institutions in line with Bangladesh's economic realities and policy objectives.
The meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, development partners and private-sector representatives from across the world to discuss global economic stability, development financing, financial-sector reforms, investment and job creation.
For Bangladesh, the discussions are expected to focus on strengthening governance in the banking sector, increasing revenue mobilisation, improving the investment climate and securing financing for development priorities.
The meetings will also provide an opportunity for the Bangladesh delegation to engage with senior officials of the IMF and the World Bank on the country's economic priorities, future financing needs and potential areas of cooperation.
Discussions with the IMF may focus on future lending arrangements and reform priorities, including addressing weaknesses in the banking sector, expanding the tax base, reforming tax administration and improving the effectiveness of public expenditure.
Bangladesh is seeking to ensure that reform measures are realistic, phased and consistent with the country's prevailing economic conditions, while strengthening transparency, accountability and overall economic management.
Diversifying sources of development financing, attracting private investment and expanding the role of capital and bond markets in long-term financing are also important areas for Bangladesh. Alongside external borrowing, mobilising domestic resources and making greater use of private capital are increasingly important for financing the country's development needs.
The World Bank's agenda includes discussions on the use of artificial intelligence to create jobs and mobilise private capital for development.
These issues are particularly relevant for developing economies such as Bangladesh, which are seeking to expand productive investment, generate employment and improve economic competitiveness.
Bangladesh's participation in the annual meetings is expected to extend beyond discussions on loans and financial assistance, offering an opportunity to present its reform priorities, strengthen confidence among international development partners and explore new avenues for investment and development financing.
Effective coordination with international partners, while maintaining national ownership of reforms, could help Bangladesh address structural economic challenges and advance its long-term development objectives.
