Bangladesh: Staff Report for the 2013 Article IV Consultation and Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria

This paper discusses Bangladesh’s Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria. Political uncertainty and nationwide strikes are taking a toll on economic activity, with private investment most affected. Real GDP growth moderated in FY2013 (July 2012–June 2013) to 6 percent (FY2012: 6.2 percent). Recent data on private credit and tax collections suggest economic activity continues to slow. The program remains on track. All performance criteria at end-June 2013 were met, and all structural benchmarks have been completed. The IMF staff recommends completion of the review and modification of the performance criteria for December 2013.