IMF delegation meets BNP

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sunday held a meeting with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the party Chairperson's office in the capital's Gulshan.

Advisor to the Bangladesh Mission Chief of the IMF, Chris Papageorgiou, led the delegation.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury led the party delegation, while Adviser to the BNP Chairperson Md Ismail Zabihullah, Dr Ziauddin Haidar, and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were present.

The meeting involved a detailed discussion of the preliminary findings of the IMF's ongoing mission review report, according to BNP Media Cell member Sairul Kabir Khan.

The meeting focused on the new Technical Assistance (TA) concerning the harmonisation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the reduction or abolition of exemptions; improving the GDP-to-Tax Revenue ratio by increasing corporate tax; reforms in the banking sector; and increasing spending on the social sector, which was specifically presented as part of the BNP's policy priorities.

The BNP emphasised that financial sector, tax system, and social sector reforms are crucial to ensuring Bangladesh's sustainable economic stability, adding that the party believes long-term growth is not possible without establishing accountable and transparent financial management.

The IMF delegation commended the BNP's proposed policy priorities and reform-based approach.

The meeting fostered the expectation of increased policy dialogue and cooperation in the future.