WB, IMF happy with economy, not with governance
Staff Correspondent
Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman yesterday said the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) were 'satisfied' with Bangladesh's economic performance, but were 'unhappy' about its progress in administrative reforms, governance and curbing corruption."They have reservations about a few non-economic factors in Bangladesh," Saifur said yesterday at a press briefing on his weeklong visit to the WB and IMF headquarters in the US. "The donors have asked us to take strong steps to improve governance and administration and curb corruption and address other issues," he added. "We have told them we will form an anti-corruption commission. The recruitment process for consultants for the Agrani Bank and other nationalised commercial banks is in the advanced stage. We are going to form a regulatory commission for the gas and power sector," the finance minister told the donors. The World Bank has decided to give Bangladesh $1 billion in aid on being satisfied with Bangladesh's economic performance, Saifur informed the press. "But they have stressed proper use of this money. If this money is left idle in the banks, it will not make the World Bank happy," he added. "The projects against which they will give the money should be quickly implemented. Proper implementation and quick decision will help us get more aid in the future," he noted.
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