International Monetary Fund has enquired about the tariff measures and fiscal projections for the next fiscal year three months ahead of the budget announcement, which usually takes place in early June. In a letter forwarded to finance and planning adviser Mirza Azizul Islam, the Fund, which supports the government to maintain fiscal discipline, enquired about the tariff measures, tax policy, annual development programme, energy pricing and subsidy planned for 200708 fiscal. It also wanted to know about the key policy focuses of the next budget.

IMFs Asia-Pacific adviser Thomas Rumbaugh made the queries in a recent communication to finance adviser, expecting the official reply before the planned visit of article 4 mission, led by him, from April 3 to 18. The IMF executive said he needs to be aware of the fiscal priorities and focuses of the government beforehand for deciding the Funds future policy supports for Bangladesh.

The IMF delegation, styled Article4 mission during its upcoming visit is expected to dictate the government on formulating next fiscal year budget in accordance with their interest and priorities. Which tax policy and tax administrative measures are considered for the FY 08 budget? What is envisaged for public pay and employment? What subsidies are planned for FY08? How does this administration plan to strengthen ADP execution? What are the plans are for SOE reform? are some of the IMF queries.

The Fund also looked concerned about the governments stand on energy pricing, tax measures and tariff reforms. Finance officials said they were preparing to respond to the IMFs queries on budgetary measures.

IMFs interests also include the latest development in Oriental Bank fraud, ongoing reforms in Bangladesh Krishi Bank and Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank and the next course of action after corporatisation of state-owned Sonali, Janata and Agrani banks. The IMF in its questionnaire also sought data on major macroeconomic indicators up to February of the current fiscal year. Revenue earnings, remittance inflow, government debt, balance of payment and details on bank credit are also among the IMFs queries.