On September 9, 2019, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation [1] with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh continues to achieve impressive economic growth and social development. Rapid expansion of the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector helped the economy transform to a more manufacturing-based economy and large inflows of remittances helped strengthen its external position and supported private consumption. The country made steady progress in reducing income poverty and improving many indicators for Sustainable Development Goals.

Economic growth remained strong with stable inflation in FY18. Real GDP growth increased to 7.9 percent. Private consumption growth was exceptionally strong, influenced by the rebound in remittance and exports growth. Average annual inflation picked up slightly to 5.8 percent in FY18 due mainly to higher food prices. The current account deficit expanded to 3½ percent of GDP with higher import growth, reflecting need for capital goods due to mega infrastructure projects and temporary flood-related food imports.

Growth is projected to be strong at above mid-7 percent in FY19 and FY20. After a slowdown in private investment before the election in last December, robust growth is expected, led by private consumption with strong remittance inflows and smaller negative contributions from net exports. Average annual inflation is expected to close to the central bank’s 5½ percent target though non-food inflation slightly picked up over the last few months. The current account deficit is projected to decline to around 2 percent of GDP with strong export and remittance growth. Slow progress in resolving the Rohingya refugee crisis could add to social tensions as well as spending pressures, and donor support will remain essential.

Executive Board Assessment [2]

Executive Directors commended the authorities for Bangladesh’s strong and stable economic performance, which has resulted in reduced income poverty and improving social indicators. Looking ahead, Directors noted that, to realize the country’s growth potential and reach upper middle‑income status, the authorities will need to promote productive investments and upgrade the economic policy framework.

Directors commended the Bangladesh Bank for keeping inflation broadly stable. However, with inflation expectations remaining elevated, they urged the Bangladesh Bank to monitor inflation developments closely and stand ready to adjust its policy promptly if warranted. Directors encouraged the authorities to continue efforts to gradually increase exchange rate flexibility to help buffer the economy against external shocks, preserve foreign reserves, and support the modernization of the monetary policy framework.

Directors commended the authorities for fiscal discipline and encouraged them to keep the public debt ratio broadly stable. In this context, they stressed the need to step up the effort to increase revenues to finance the upgrade of infrastructure, support the vulnerable, and meet the potential costs of climate change. They highlighted the need to expand the tax base by reducing exemptions, and to modernize tax administration. While the launch of the new VAT is welcome, Directors noted that simplifying the multiple rates would facilitate administration and improve revenue intake.

Directors expressed concern about the continued weak financial situation in the banking sector, including high nonperforming loans and the rising amount of restructured and rescheduled loans. They called for resolute steps to enhance banking regulation and supervision, reform state‑owned commercial banks, tighten the criteria for loan rescheduling and restructuring, strengthen banks’ corporate governance, and enhance legal systems to accelerate loan recovery. Directors encouraged the authorities to continue to develop a well‑functioning capital market to reduce the economy’s dependence on bank financing. In this context, they welcomed the ongoing reform of the National Savings Certificates system and called for further steps, including reform of the pricing mechanism.

Directors underscored that further improvements in public financial management and strengthening governance will be crucial for continued growth. They highlighted the importance of better public investment management and tax administration, and welcomed the work to revise the authorities’ medium‑term debt management strategy. They urged continued progress in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.

Directors emphasized the importance of greater export diversification for stronger and more sustainable economic growth. They noted that improving the business environment and boosting human capital would help increase Bangladesh’s integration into global value chains and make exports more resistant to changes in global demand patterns.

Directors welcomed the authorities’ effort to address the country’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. They recommended continued efforts to create fiscal space for adaptation and mitigation, managing the impact of natural disasters, and promoting climate‑friendly investments.