Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that the country is set to receive $3.5 billion in loans from the World Bank, IMF, and Asian Development Bank by June. Bangladesh has agreed to a more flexible exchange rate, prompting the IMF to release two pending tranches of a $4.7 billion loan simultaneously. “Remittances are strong, reserves are stable, and the balance of payments has improved. This is the ideal time to move toward a market-based exchange rate,” said Mansur.

The Government of Bangladesh has reached a consensus with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), agreeing to partially implement two key conditions. This includes further flexibilization of the exchange rate, which will lead to a weaker taka and a stronger dollar. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will also undergo significant reforms. With this agreement, Bangladesh is set to receive two loan tranches worth $1.3 billion by next month.

With the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), two new departments—Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Administration Division—have been formed. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the move was strategic and would not hamper revenue collection. “At the very least, we expect collection to be on par with last year,” he said, noting that separating policy and administration is a common practice globally. He also emphasized a more cautious fiscal approach, saying, “We won’t take loans for mega projects or print money to implement the budget. Whether the budget is large or small will become clear soon.”

The United States and China have reached an agreement to significantly reduce mutual tariffs by 115% for a 90-day period, US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant announced. The deal follows high-level bilateral talks in Switzerland, marking the first major breakthrough since President Donald Trump imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports in January. As part of the new arrangement, the US will lower its tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, while China will reduce its tariffs on American goods to 10%, with both reductions taking effect for 90 days.

Calling the current state of the stock market “unimaginable,” the Chief Adviser has issued five urgent directives: reduce government ownership in multinational companies and bring them to the stock market; incentivize large domestic private companies to list; bring in foreign experts to reform the market within three months; take strict action against those involved in market manipulation; and reduce dependency on bank loans by encouraging businesses to raise funds through bonds and equity. “This crisis must be resolved,” the Chief Adviser asserted.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a high-level meeting with the LDC Graduation Committee to ensure Bangladesh’s smooth and timely transition from LDC status. The meeting identified five priority actions for immediate implementation:
1. Full operationalization of the National Single Window with participation from all relevant agencies,
2. Implementation of the National Tariff Policy 2023,
3. Execution of key steps under the National Logistics Policy 2024, including infrastructure projects,
4. Completion of waste treatment facilities at Savar Tannery Village, and
5. Ensuring full functionality of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Park in Gazaria, Munshiganj.

BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun has announced plans to establish a free trade zone over 400 acres in Anwara Upazila of Chattogram. He described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Bangladesh’s economy. He further revealed a potential $800 million investment in the Chattogram Port Container Terminal. "Our annual FDI barely exceeds $700 million. If a single project can bring in $800 million, it would be a significant boost to our economy," he said. He emphasized Chattogram’s central role in national development, declaring, “Dhaka is our political capital, but Chattogram is destined to become the commercial capital.”

Negotiations between the Bangladesh government and the IMF over loan disbursement have reached an impasse. A key sticking point is the IMF's demand to allow full market-based exchange rate for the Bangladeshi Taka. While Bangladesh has met two other conditions, it insists that full market liberalization is not currently feasible. The IMF has warned that without compliance, the next loan tranche will not be released. Despite increased dollar inflows, Bangladesh values the IMF deal for the signal it sends about economic stability. Both sides continue talks, unwilling to walk away from the agreement.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved nine development projects, including the revitalization of lakes in Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara. The total cost is estimated at Tk 3,756.20 crore, funded by government allocations, foreign aid, and institutional contributions. Other approved projects include the establishment of Rabindra University, internal container and barge terminal at Khanpur, disaster risk management, and irrigation system improvements in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat.

In a meeting with Canadian trade envoy Paul Thoppil, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called for expanded bilateral economic cooperation and increased investment. Thoppil said, “We believe in Bangladesh’s economic potential. That’s why we’ve brought our business leaders here.” Dr. Yunus emphasized that the current reform phase is like recovering from a 15-year-long earthquake, and international support is crucial for continued progress.

Despite paying $1.883 billion to the Asian Clearing Union for March-April imports, Bangladesh’s actual foreign reserves remain above $20 billion, according to the central bank. Gross reserves stood at $22.06 billion at the start of the day but dropped to $20.18 billion by day’s end. Total gross reserves, by central bank calculation, exceed $25 billion. Notably, reserves peaked at $48.06 billion in August 2022 before plummeting due to capital flight allegedly enabled by the ruling regime.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, during his visit to Dhaka, expressed interest in hiring more Bangladeshi workers and ensuring safe migration. In his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Matteo stated that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may visit Bangladesh before September to boost bilateral ties. He praised the Bangladeshi community in Italy and called for more such responsible migrants. Prof. Yunus assured Italy of Bangladesh’s commitment to combat illegal migration and human trafficking through joint efforts.

In April, Bangladesh received $2.75 billion in remittance, the second-highest monthly figure recorded by the Bangladesh Bank. The remittance amounted to approximately BDT 33,574 crore, reflecting a 34.64% increase compared to the previous year. The remittance for the first 10 months of the current fiscal year has increased by 28.30%.

After a meeting with the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Vice President, Salehuddin Ahmed, the Economic Adviser to the government, reported that the ADB is pleased with Bangladesh's economic achievements compared to other countries. The ADB confirmed its support for reforms in the banking sector and National Board of Revenue (NBR), along with providing necessary assistance for the government’s realistic and achievable budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Salehuddin emphasized the importance of reducing expenditures and improving efficiency.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan has announced a tougher stance on individuals who evade taxes, do not file returns, or exploit tax exemptions. He emphasized the need for accountability, revealing that the government loses as much revenue from tax exemptions as it collects annually. NBR data shows a large number of TIN holders fail to submit tax returns, placing an unfair burden on regular taxpayers.