STAR REPORT

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are likely to provide additional financial assistance to Bangladesh, beyond regular budget support, to help deal with the fallout of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Bangladesh could receive up to $2 billion in emergency assistance by June, sources in an 11-member delegation led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said. The delegation is attending the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington.

On Monday, Khosru held meetings with IMF Executive Director Urjit Patel and World Bank Vice President for South Asia John Jutt on the sidelines.

Speaking to journalists, the minister hinted at the possibility of enhanced support under the IMF’s existing programme. “The release of instalments is one matter, but under the programme there could be something even better,” he said.

He expressed optimism that Bangladesh would secure additional funding by June and in the next budget. “The discussions have been successful overall. I believe we will largely succeed in addressing the deficit,” he added.

Amid disruption caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, the IMF has announced up to $50 billion in emergency

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