The United States has urged Bangladesh to take stronger steps to improve fiscal transparency, highlighting specific areas where reforms are urgently needed, according to the 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report released by the Department of State.

The report said that although Bangladesh’s Interim Government (IG) had taken some reform measures, including the suspension of opaque natural resource contracts and a pledge to improve transparency, the country was still struggling with shortcomings in financial accountability and reporting standards.

It recommended that Bangladesh make its end-of-year financial reports publicly available within a reasonable timeframe, emphasising that timely disclosure was central to accountability.

It also advised Dhaka to prepare its budget documents in accordance with internationally accepted principles, pointing out that the existing format offered only a partial picture of revenues and expenditures.

The report said that Bangladesh should provide a breakdown of expenditures related to executive offices, which were not currently disclosed, and ensure that the budget reflected a substantially complete account of government revenues and spending.

It further underlined the need to strengthen the supreme audit institution, noting that the body should comply with international standards of independence and be given sufficient resources to conduct a timely review of the entire annual budget.

The State Department also pressed Bangladesh to publish audit reports that include substantive findings and recommendations, make basic information about natural resource extraction awards accessible to the public, and release details of public procurement contracts to prevent opacity in state spending.

According to the report, these measures are essential if Bangladesh is to align its fiscal governance with international benchmarks and build public confidence.

While acknowledging positive steps under the Interim Government, Washington made clear that sustained reforms are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and stronger oversight of state finances.

The 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report forms part of the State Department’s annual review under the Fiscal Transparency Act, assessing governments worldwide against minimum transparency benchmarks.

In addition to reviewing international compliance, the report detailed how the United States used foreign assistance to support fiscal transparency and provided recommendations for short- and long-term reforms.

It also sets benchmarks to measure progress in government financial reporting, audit practices, and public access to budgetary information.