The government has approved five loan proposals totaling $1.9 billion from development partners, of which about $1.6 billion are non-concessional loans with কঠোর শর্ত, raising concerns about future financial pressure.The approval came at a meeting of the non-concessional loan committee held at the Planning Ministry, chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Ameer Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.According to sources, $1.3 billion of the approved amount will be used as budget support to manage immediate fiscal pressure. Under this package, Asian Development Bank will provide $450 million, Japan International Cooperation Agency $500 million, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank $250 million, and OPEC Fund for International Development $100 million.Officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD) said these loans are considered non-concessional due to higher interest rates, shorter grace periods, and relatively tighter repayment terms.Under the “Strengthening Economic Management and Governance, Subprogram-2,” Asian Development Bank will provide a total of $750 million, including $300 million in concessional financing and $450 million from its Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR), which carries stricter terms.Meanwhile, the government is taking $500 million from Japan International Cooperation Agency to address immediate revenue pressure. Authorities say the funds will be used in line with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund to increase social protection spending, strengthen revenue administration, and stabilize the macroeconomy.Additionally, financing from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and OPEC Fund for International Development is included in the same support package.Officials noted that JICA’s loan carries an interest rate of around 3.05%, AIIB’s about 5.08%, and OFID’s approximately 3.6%. Due to these comparatively higher rates and shorter repayment structures, concerns remain about added pressure on the country’s financial management.However, the government believes that if utilized properly, the funds will help maintain economic stability.
