Dhaka, July 27 -- Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has disclosed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has nearly doubled its estimated cost for reforming Bangladesh's banking sector-from $18 billion to a staggering $35 billion - reflecting the depth of the sector's ongoing crisis.

Dr Ahmed made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as chief guest at the launch of economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman's new book Orthoniti, Shashon O Khomota: Japito Jiboner Alekkho, held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.

"The IMF initially projected a requirement of $18 billion. However, following a more thorough evaluation, the estimate was revised to $35 billion. This stark increase reveals just how severe the crisis has become," he said.

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