Online Desk
The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development agenda, promising to maintain assistance for ongoing projects as well as budgetary programs.
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed shared the assurance on Sunday following a meeting in Dhaka with Johannes Zutt, the World Bank’s newly appointed Vice President for the South Asia Region. The talks took place at the Secretariat during Zutt’s visit to Bangladesh.
“The World Bank has expressed satisfaction with Bangladesh’s overall economic situation,” Salehuddin told reporters. Quoting Zutt, he said the international lender was pleased to see improvements across multiple fronts, including the financial sector, balance of payments, and foreign exchange stability.
Zutt, who served as the World Bank’s country director in Bangladesh 15 years ago, noted the country’s substantial progress since then, highlighting infrastructure developments such as the metro rail. “The World Bank will provide all necessary support for Bangladesh,” the finance adviser said, citing the visiting VP’s remarks.
During the discussions, Zutt emphasized the importance of boosting private sector growth and increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) to sustain economic momentum. He also praised Bangladesh’s ongoing reform measures, particularly in the banking sector, and commended the central bank’s efforts to restructure financial institutions.
“The macroeconomic outlook is on the right track,” Salehuddin quoted the World Bank official as saying.
The meeting also touched on the operations of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Bangladesh, along with key infrastructure priorities, including improvements at Chattogram Port and the proposed container terminal at Laldia.
Responding to questions, the finance adviser noted that Bangladesh’s interim government had already secured the support it sought from the World Bank. He indicated that new areas of assistance would be discussed at the upcoming World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in October.
On the issue of US tariffs, Salehuddin said the commerce adviser would brief the government upon returning from Washington, outlining areas where Bangladesh may need to adjust tariffs or related tax policies.
Zutt arrived in Dhaka on Saturday for his official engagements, underscoring the World Bank’s ongoing partnership with Bangladesh as the country continues to navigate economic reforms and infrastructure expansion.