IMF projects 3.8 percent GDP growth in current fiscal year

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a 3.8 percent GDP growth for Bangladesh in the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to its April 2025 World Economic Outlook.

The report was released on Tuesday during the World Bank-IMF spring meeting in Washington, USA. 

The IMF also predicted a 10 percent average inflation rate for the same period. 

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, GDP growth is expected to rise to 6.5 percent, with inflation dropping to 5.2 percent.

The previous Awami League government targeted a 6.75 percent GDP growth in the 2024-25 budget, but the interim government revised this to 5.25 percent due to financial crises, business slowdown, and political instability following a recent government change. 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasted a slightly higher 3.9 percent GDP growth for the same period.

Bangladesh has faced high inflation for over two years, with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reporting a 9.35 percent rate in March 2024 and a yearly average of 10.26 percent. 

Globally, the IMF estimates a 2.8 percent average GDP growth, with Asia at 4.5 percent.

A 15-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Financial Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, is attending the World Bank-IMF spring meeting (April 21-26, 2025). 

Discussions may focus on releasing the fourth and fifth installments of the IMF’s $4.7 billion loan programme for Bangladesh, following a recent IMF mission visit.