Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for stronger support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to accelerate Bangladesh's socioeconomic development efforts. In a meeting with ADB Vice President (Sector and Themes) Fatima Yasmin, the Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing the socioeconomic advancement of the people.

According to PM's Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam, Sheikh Hasina highlighted the government's focus on rural development and increasing the purchasing power of citizens to drive industrialization and create more job opportunities.

Seeking ADB's assistance, Sheikh Hasina emphasized key sectors such as climate change adaptation, agriculture, and river restoration. She urged the ADB to prioritize projects that directly benefit a large segment of the population.

Highlighting Bangladesh's significance to the ADB, Fatima Yasmin mentioned that the ADB's support for Bangladesh has significantly increased over the years, reaching US$ 3.4 billion from 2009 to 2023. She expressed ADB's interest in implementing projects related to river restoration, tourism, recreation centers, and irrigation, aligning with priorities in climate change adaptation and human development.

The meeting was attended by PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Economic Relations Division Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky.