Dhaka, Sep 24 (V7N) – Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the interim government on the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, announced today that Bangladesh has requested technical assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reform its financial sector and repatriate laundered funds.

"The IMF provides us with substantial budget support. A mission from the IMF is currently in the country, and we discussed with them the need for support in reforming the financial sector. We also informed them that we have already taken steps to reform both the banking and revenue sectors," Salehuddin said.

He made this statement during a media briefing following the opening meeting with the visiting IMF delegation, led by Chris Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Bangladesh, at the Ministry of Finance. The IMF delegation has embarked on a weeklong visit to assess Bangladesh’s macroeconomic situation and explore possible reforms with the aim of providing additional financial assistance.

Salehuddin emphasized the importance of securing resources to undertake various economic reforms. "We will utilize our local resources as much as possible, but in specific areas, foreign assistance will be necessary," he noted.

The Adviser also mentioned that Bangladesh will engage in further discussions with the IMF in October, during which final decisions regarding support and policy directions will be made in consultation with the IMF’s policymakers.

"We have requested additional resources [loans], though we haven't specified an amount yet. Further discussions with IMF policymakers are scheduled to take place in Washington this October," he added.

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