The government faces a potential rise in budget deficit as it plans to clear Tk 450 billion in power sector dues by the fiscal year-end, a key topic for the upcoming IMF loan review. Officials anticipate the budget shortfall may reach nearly 5% of GDP, up from 4% in FY 2023-24, driven by arrears owed to independent power producers, gas companies, and suppliers like Adani Group.
Revenue shortfalls, estimated at Tk 307 billion by October, along with increased public expenditure, could exacerbate the deficit. The government may settle arrears through cash payments and issuing bonds. The IMF, under its $4.7-billion lending program, has urged Bangladesh to reduce power sector dues, making this a critical negotiation point during their December visit.