IMF Satisfied With The Execution Of Projects In Bangladesh: IMF DMD

"We are satisfied with the execution of the projects financed by the IMF and for this we are relaxing conditions in providing loan to Bangladesh," visiting IMF's Deputy Managing Director Naoyuki Shinohara said today.

He made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office today.

After the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury briefed reporters.

He said the Prime Minister and the IMF DMD discussed implementation process of various development programmes under IMF's financial assistance in Bangladesh.

Shinohara also lauded the prevailing investment- friendly environment in Bangladesh and said the situation in the country is far better for investment than any time in the past.

Praising the able and dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, he said the present Bangladesh government led by Sheikh Hasina has been able to reduce poverty and increase income capacity of the people significantly.

"It has ensured the development of the weaker section of the society," he said, adding all the development indices in Bangladesh are rising and in good conditions.

He, however, stressed the need for further intensifying monitoring in the banking sectors.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister thanked the IMF for supporting the development efforts of the government and sought more IMF financial assistance in Bangladesh\'s infrastructure development.

Terming her government is for the country, people as well as for the development of the countrymen, Sheikh Hasina said it has been working for their welfare and would do whatever necessary to this end.

She said her government has not only been developing the urban areas, but also the rural areas of the country to ensure balanced and sustainable development.

In this regard, the Prime Minister mentioned that 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 and flourish private sector. "The private sector is now playing an active role in the development of country's various sectors" she said.

Ambassador-At-Large M Ziauddin, PM\'s Principal Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder, PMO Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad and Finance Secretary Fazle Kabir were present.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)