New IMF loan programme to safeguard public interest, national economic security: Khosru
The government will not participate in any IMF programme that undermines the interests of the people, he said while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat today (12 July).
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said Bangladesh will pursue a new loan programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that safeguards public interest and the country's economic security.
The government will not participate in any IMF programme that undermines the interests of the people, he said while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat today (12 July).
He also outlined the government's position and plans regarding the country's ongoing political situation, economic development and international financial cooperation.
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Referring to the previous IMF programme undertaken by what he described as the erstwhile fascist government, the minister said it was entirely against public interest and contained several conditions that would not be acceptable to a democratic and elected government.
He added that this is why the present government has withdrawn from the previous programme.
"The government's primary concern is not securing funds, but protecting the country's interests," the finance minister said.
"As an elected government, our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of the people of Bangladesh and the country's economy. We are moving towards a new programme that ensures the economic interests of the people. Whatever programme we undertake, the interests of the people of Bangladesh will be fully protected," he added.
Expressing profound sorrow over the death of veteran politician, senior lawyer, former speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and former acting president Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, the minister said he was an honest and highly competent individual whose contributions to the country's politics were immense.
"He discharged his responsibilities as speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad with utmost honesty and dedication. His passing is an irreparable loss to the country's political arena," he said.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to building a modern Bangladesh, the finance minister said the existing visa policy will be revised to enhance the country's economic dynamism and strengthen international confidence.
He added that the policy will be made simpler and more contemporary.
He said he hopes that modernising the visa policy will increase the number of foreign tourists visiting Bangladesh, facilitate investment by foreign investors and further strengthen the country's credibility and acceptance in the international community.
