IMF relaxing loan conditions for BD

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UNB, Dhaka :
Impressed by Bangladesh’s good performance in implementation of various IMF-financed projects, its visiting Deputy Managing Director Naoyuki Shinohara on Wednesday said that the International Monetary Fund is relaxing its conditions for providing loans to Bangladesh.
Shinohara made the remark when he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office.
He, however, requested the government to improve supervision over the country’s banking sector.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhury briefed reporters after the meeting.
He said, both the Prime Minister and the IMF official discussed the implementation process of various development programmes under IMF’s financial assistance in Bangladesh.
The IMF representative also lauded the prevailing investment-friendly environment in the country and said the situation in Bangladesh is far better for investment than any time in the past.
Praising Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership, Shinohara said the government has been able to reduce poverty, increase the incomes of people and thus ensure the development of the weaker section of society.
Hasina thanked the IMF for supporting the development efforts of the government and urged the IMF to further provide financial support to Bangladesh’s infrastructure development.
Emphasising that her government is for the country and its people, Hasina said it has been working for the country’s rapid development and the welfare of its people.
She said her government’s development focus is not only on urban areas but also on
rural areas to ensure sustainable development.
In this regard, the Prime Minister mentioned her government has already ensured food security and achieved success in other parameters, including poverty reduction.
Referring to strengthening of the private sector in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said her government in 1996 had undertaken necessary steps to strengthen private sectors and they are now involved actively for the development of country’s various sectors.
Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Abdus Sobhan Sikder, PMO Secretary M Abul Kalam Azad and Finance Secretary Fazle Kabir were, among other, present.
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