International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Tuesday lauded Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for Bangladesh’s economic turnaround since he assumed leadership of the interim government.
Speaking over the phone from Washington, Georgieva credited Yunus with stabilising the economy at a critical juncture. “I am impressed by what you have achieved,” she said, according to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
“You’ve done so much in such a short time. You took responsibility when the risk of deterioration was very high. You are the right person at the right time.”
The IMF chief particularly commended the recovery of foreign reserves and the stabilisation of the exchange market following the government’s move to adopt a market-based exchange rate.
Yunus thanked Georgieva for the IMF’s continued support, recalling their first meeting at the UN General Assembly last year as a turning point for Bangladesh’s reform path.
“We inherited a devastated and broken economy. Some individuals literally stole money in bags from banks and fled the country,” he said.
During the call, Georgieva underlined the need for stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and bold reforms in the banking sector. “To be in a strong position, reform is inevitable. This is such a precious moment in the history of Bangladesh,” she said.
Yunus briefed her on restructuring measures already taken in the banking sector and efforts to improve revenue collection. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding a credible election before Ramadan in February, after which he would return to his previous work.
The discussion also touched on regional developments, including the youth uprising in Nepal and Bangladesh’s ambition to join ASEAN. Yunus highlighted infrastructure projects under way to boost regional integration, such as new ports and terminal facilities.
Finance Adviser Saleh Uddin Ahmed and Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Mozumder were present during the call.
