World Bank can give 2 billion aid to Bangladesh: Martin Reiser

In the current financial year, the World Bank can provide a total of 2 billion or 200 million dollars to Bangladesh, including budget support. There is also the possibility that ongoing project funds may be diverted to different sectors. It can increase the amount of money.

Martin Reiser, Vice President of the World Bank's South Asia Region, said these things after a meeting with the interim government's finance and trade advisor Salehuddin Ahmed at the secretariat on Thursday (September 19).

Martin Reiser said, structural reforms, banking sector reforms were discussed with the adviser. The World Bank will assist the Interim Government of Bangladesh in these activities. He also said, 'The World Bank is a long-time partner of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the largest and closest partner of the World Bank in this region. We want to continue this partnership.'

Regarding the support, Martin Reiser said, 'Look, the final decision on these matters is made in the board meeting. It is not possible for me to make a commitment on their behalf. They won't take it well even if I promise.' However, he said, the matter of providing 2 billion or 200 billion dollars assistance for the current financial year is being looked into. Some of this will be provided as budget support; The rest will be given to various important projects, such as the health and energy sectors. Apart from this, assistance will be given to more projects as per the demand of Bangladesh government.

Martin Reiser commented that the World Bank is looking into where and what can be given for Bangladesh. The IDA or International Development Association of the World Bank is looking into what can be done with the funds.

Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed said in the context of the meeting, various issues have been discussed with the World Bank, such as budget support, health and energy, fertilizer import, food self-sufficiency, etc. Along with this, post-flood rehabilitation, Rohingya crisis were also discussed. The World Bank is very positive about this. It is somewhat clear what assistance will be given. They will also coordinate with other organizations.

Apart from this, Salehuddin Ahmed commented that the reform program undertaken by Bangladesh is credible to the World Bank.
The country head of the World Bank Abdullahi Sek was present in the meeting.