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Bangladesh Adopts Free-Floating Currency Regime to Access IMF Funds

Bangladesh Currency to Float Freely

In a landmark decision, Bangladesh’s central bank has made a historic move by allowing its currency, the taka, to float freely for the first time. This decision, driven by demands from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aims to unlock additional funds from a $4.7 billion loan program. Bangladesh joins a growing list of nations, including Pakistan, Egypt, and Lebanon, that have opted to loosen control over their local currencies to secure financing from the IMF.

Benefits of a Market-Driven Exchange Rate Regime:

The adoption of a market-driven exchange rate regime is expected to bring several advantages to Bangladesh’s economy. The regime will enhance transparency and efficiency in foreign exchange transactions, benefiting businesses, individuals, and the overall economy. Despite concerns of depreciation, the central bank remains optimistic, anticipating only a modest decline in the value of the taka, which has already experienced a slight 5% decrease this year.

Impact on Financial Markets:

Following the announcement, the taka experienced a decline of up to 0.9% against the dollar. However, the broader index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange witnessed a significant increase of up to 0.3%, marking the largest gain since June 7. This positive movement reflects the potential for a looser currency regime to bolster Bangladesh’s reserves by making its exports more attractive.

Transition and Future Outlook:

Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has relied on fixed exchange rates to manage volatility and ensure affordable imports. With the adoption of a unified exchange rate regime between the taka and the dollar (or any other foreign currency), the country aims to bridge the gap between formal and informal markets. Starting from July 1, the central bank will cease selling foreign exchange at a discounted rate, and by the third quarter of 2023, all international transactions will be based on the new exchange rate structure.

Financial Considerations:

Bangladesh’s central bank has already sold approximately $13 billion in the current fiscal year due to increased demand for foreign currency. The government received the first installment of $476 million from the IMF loans in February, with the second tranche expected in November. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed confidence in her country’s ability to repay the loan, emphasizing that the IMF provides assistance to nations capable of meeting their financial obligations.

Moody’s Downgrade and Inflation Concerns:

Moody’s Investors Service recently downgraded Bangladesh’s ratings to B1 from Ba3, citing weakened economic conditions and heightened external vulnerability and liquidity risks. The central bank downplayed the impact, noting that the downgrade would not directly affect sovereign bonds as Bangladesh has not issued any. To address concerns about inflation, the country aims to achieve a growth target of 7.5% in the upcoming fiscal year, starting July 1, and plans to implement a tight monetary policy for the first half of the new fiscal year, adjusting interest rates accordingly.

Key Points About Different Kinds of Exchange Rate Regimes:

  1. Free and Floating Currency:
  1. Managed Currency:
  1. Controlled Currency:

Conclusion:

Bangladesh’s decision to adopt a free-floating currency regime marks a significant step towards economic liberalization and financial stability. The move aligns the country with a growing trend among nations seeking IMF financing. While challenges such as the recent Moody’s downgrade and inflation concerns persist, Bangladesh remains committed to achieving its growth targets and managing its economic affairs effectively through a market-driven exchange rate regime.

Free-Floating Currency Regime – FAQs

Q1: Why did Bangladesh decide to allow its currency to float freely?

Ans: In response to pressures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bangladesh decided to allow the taka to float freely. This action, which intends to release extra cash from a $4.7 billion loan programme, is in line with those made by other countries, such as Pakistan, Egypt, and Lebanon, in order to obtain financing from the IMF.

Q2: What are the benefits of a market-driven exchange rate regime?

Ans: Greater transparency and efficiency in foreign exchange operations are anticipated to result from Bangladesh adopting a market-driven exchange rate regime. Businesses, individuals, and the economy as a whole will gain from this. In spite of worries about depreciation, the central bank only expects a tiny drop in the value of the taka, which has already dropped by a mere 5% this year.

Q3: How is Bangladesh managing its financial considerations during this transition?

Ans: Due to a rise in the demand for foreign currency, Bangladesh’s central bank has already sold about $13 billion in the current fiscal year. The first $476 million installment of the IMF funds was received by the government in February, and the second tranche is anticipated in November. The country’s ability to repay the loan has been praised by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also emphasised that the IMF only assists countries who can do so.

Author

  • Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti's expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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