Dhaka, May 25 -- Bangladesh and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed to begin work on a new reform-focused programme under the new government, following high-level virtual talks between Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke.

The discussion, held on May 21, focused on Bangladesh's overall economic situation, progress under the ongoing IMF-supported programme, and future cooperation between the two sides, according to a Finance Ministry press release issued on Monday.

During the meeting, the finance minister thanked the IMF for its continued engagement and support for Bangladesh and recalled the "fruitful discussions" held during the recent World Bank-IMF Annu...