World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, concluded his four-day visit to Bangladesh on Thursday and reaffirmed the World Bank's support for economic reforms critical for the country's inclusive and sustainable growth and development.
During the visit, Raiser met with Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr Muhammad Yunus and reiterated the World Bank's commitment to the people of Bangladesh and offered continuous support to create the foundations for economic stability, job creation, climate resilience and improved public services.
He updated the Chief Adviser on ongoing and planned World Bank support to Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of using this political transition period to advance improvements in governance and transparency that could lay the foundations for a fairer Bangladesh.
"The World Bank is supporting the government on a range of reforms to increase transparency and accountability, in bank resolution and asset recovery, in tax policy and revenue collection, in procurement and auditing and strengthening the quality and independence of national statistics.
These reforms will help create a level playing field and boost business and people's confidence over the medium-term," said Raiser.
The new World Bank lending is being prepared to help Bangladesh to recover from September 2024 floods impacts, ease stresses in the energy sector, create a modern and well targeted social assistance system, and address the growing air pollution in Dhaka.
During the visit, Raiser also met with Finance Advisers and Energy Adviser; besides Bangladesh Bank Governor, NBR Chairman, and representatives from civil society and the private sector to discuss pressing challenges and development priorities of the government.
