HC asks govt to explain potential IMF deal

The High Court Monday directed the government to explain in two weeks why it should not be stopped from pursuing a Policy Support Instrument agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The court order came after Supreme Court lawyer Mesbahul Islam filed a public interest litigation with Justices Nazmun Ara Sultana and Md Abu Tarique, challenging the government's proposed adoption of the PSI deal with the lending agency. A PSI deal is feared to subject Bangladesh to intrusive policy advice without any financial assistance from the donor. The petitioner had earlier urged the HC to direct the government to cease negotiations with the IMF over the probable agreement.