IMF says Bangladesh requests new assistance programme over energy security concerns

The International Monetary Fund says it is in negotiations with the Bangladeshi government on a new assistance programme after Dhaka requested support. IMF Mission Chief for Bangladesh Ivo Krznar said the Fund's staff are speaking with the authorities about their reform agenda and policy priorities.

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The request comes as Bangladesh faces economic fallout from the Iran war. The country's government said in March it was seeking about US$2 billion from multilateral donors to address energy security concerns driven by surging fuel prices caused by the conflict.

The World Bank said last week it had approved a US$350 million loan for Bangladesh. The financing is intended to help manage rising fuel import pressures and strengthen energy security after shortages linked to the Middle East war.

The source does not give a timetable for the IMF programme or identify any agreed terms. It confirms only that discussions are under way and that the request was made by the Bangladeshi authorities.

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