Why is IMF loan so important now?

Bangladesh has been facing many economic challenges in the recent periods. Remittance and export earnings both fell at a time when the country's import payments rose.

The balance of payments came under immense pressure as the forex reserve continued declining for the last one year.

Because of all these, the local currency has experienced a big depreciation. In this situation, Bangladesh sought a $4.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. Will this IMF loan solve Bangladesh's economic problems? Why is this loan so important?

In today's Straight from Star Newsroom, Ahsan Habib discusses different aspects of the IMF loan with The Daily Star Reporter Rejaul Karim Byron.