Dhaka, Sep 19 (V7N)– The World Bank may extend up to $2 billion in financial support to Bangladesh during the fiscal year 2024-2025, according to Martin Raiser, Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank. This assistance would include both budget support and funding for key projects, particularly in the health and energy sectors.

Following a meeting with Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Raiser stated that while the final decision will be made during the World Bank's board meeting, the possibility of allocating $2 billion is under serious consideration.

"Some of this amount will be provided as budget support, and the rest will go toward vital projects in the health and energy sectors. Additional funding may also be made available depending on the needs expressed by the Bangladesh government," Raiser added.

He further mentioned that they are assessing potential contributions from the International Development Association (IDA) fund of the World Bank.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, speaking about the discussions, highlighted that various issues were raised, including budget support, energy, fertilizer imports, food self-sufficiency, post-flood rehabilitation, and the Rohingya crisis. He noted that the World Bank has shown a positive outlook on these matters and the areas for support are now well-defined.

"The World Bank will also coordinate with other organizations in these efforts," Ahmed stated, adding that the reforms undertaken by Bangladesh have been positively received by the World Bank.

Abdoulaye Seck, the World Bank's Country Director for Bangladesh, also participated in the meeting.

Martin Raiser arrived in Dhaka on September 18 for a two-day visit, during which he is also scheduled to meet with Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

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