Bangladesh seeks $4.5 billion loan as reform talks continue

Bangladesh is seeking a $4.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with officials hoping to reach an agreement by year-end, The Business Standard reported, citing an unnamed delegation official.

The amount and conditions remain subject to negotiations following an IMF mission expected later this month. Economic affairs adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir did not confirm the proposed amount, saying decisions would come during staff-level talks and an IMF board meeting.

Finance minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said discussions were progressing positively, but further talks would determine conditions.

The IMF is emphasizing stronger revenue collection and financial sector reforms. Bangladesh officials are preparing plans to restore depositor confidence and reduce bad loans. A central bank delegation official said the bad-loan ratio had reached about 33%, with a new reduction target still undecided.