Dhaka, Sep 17 (V7N) – International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has praised the leadership of Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, crediting him with Bangladesh’s rapid economic recovery under the interim government.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar confirmed that Georgieva held a video conference with Dr. Yunus from Washington DC on Tuesday (Sept 16) evening. The discussion focused on Bangladesh’s economic reforms, the regional situation, and challenges ahead of the February 2025 national elections.

Georgieva lauded Dr. Yunus for stabilizing the economy at a critical time, saying: “I am impressed by what you have achieved. You have done a lot in a very short time. When the risk of a downturn was acute, you took charge—you were the right person at the right time.”

She particularly commended the government’s bold decision to adopt a market-based exchange rate, which has calmed the foreign exchange market and restored reserves.

Dr. Yunus thanked the IMF chief for continued support, recalling their first meeting during the UN General Assembly in New York last year, which he said laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s recovery. Reaffirming his commitment to democracy, he said elections would be held in February, before Ramadan, and that he would step down afterward.

The IMF Managing Director stressed the need for greater domestic revenue collection and sweeping banking reforms, describing this period as “a valuable moment in Bangladesh’s history.”

Dr. Yunus responded that his administration has already begun restructuring the banking sector to curb corruption and restore confidence. “We inherited a completely collapsed economy. Some people had fled the banks with bags full of money,” he remarked.

Regional issues, including the youth movement in Nepal and Bangladesh’s interest in joining ASEAN, were also discussed. Dr. Yunus highlighted progress in major infrastructure projects in Dhaka, including new port and terminal developments.

Finance Advisor Dr. Salahuddin Ahmed and Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Majumder were also present at the meeting.

END/SMA/AJ