Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said any new programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be undertaken only by ensuring public interest and the country’s economic security.
He added that the government will not participate in any IMF programme that undermines the interests of people of Bangladesh.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Sunday, Khosru outlined the government’s critical positions and plans regarding ongoing politics, economic development, and international financial cooperation.
He said previous IMF programme initiated by the former government was “entirely against public interest”. As an elected government, he added that safeguarding the interests of the people and the national economy remains primary priority.
In a bid to build a modern Bangladesh, the finance minister announced that changes would be introduced to the current visa policy to enhance economic momentum and bolster international confidence.
“To build a modern Bangladesh, our current visa policy needs to be revised or amended,” he said, adding that the policy would be made simpler and more modern.
He further added that modernisation of the visa policy would result in an increase in foreign tourist arrivals. It would also enable foreign investors to invest with greater ease, ultimately strengthening the trust and acceptability of Bangladesh on the global stage.
