Dr Salehuddin dismisses claims of IMF, World Bank influence on Bangladesh's reforms

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday rejected the notion that Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms are being dictated by the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“We are undertaking these reforms in our own national interest,” he said while speaking at the Accounting and Auditing Summit (A\&A Summit) held at a city hotel under the theme, ‘FRC’s Role and its Impact on Economic Governance of Bangladesh’.

Addressing what he called a misguided perception held by some quarters, Dr Salehuddin questioned, “If the IMF or World Bank recommends something beneficial, what’s the issue?”

He added, “They are providing technical assistance, which is in itself a valuable contribution.”

The interim government has formed several reform commissions, and a number of them have already submitted their reports.