B Mirror Report : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged $2.57 billion in new sovereign financing to Bangladesh in 2025, more than double its 2024 commitment of $1.18 billion. The funding will support priority investments in energy, transportation, banking reforms, urban services, climate resilience, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and livelihood and service improvements in Cox’s Bazar.

According to an ADB press release, the 2025 sovereign lending program reflects a balanced mix across sectors and financing modalities, demonstrating a strong focus on both infrastructure and institutional reforms.

“We proudly reaffirm our commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s priorities during this significant transition period, which is further complicated by an increasingly challenging global landscape,” said ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong. He added, “The 2025 commitments underscore our enduring partnership with Bangladesh and our shared focus, in close collaboration with the Economic Relations Division and other government ministries, on economic diversification, enhanced infrastructure and services, and human development.”

Of the total $2.57 billion committed across ten projects, approximately 35 percent is allocated to transport infrastructure, 23 percent to finance, and 16 percent to public sector management and governance. Energy initiatives account for 11 percent, water and urban development 9 percent, and human and social development 6 percent.

• $688 million South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)–Chattogram-Dohazari Railway Project, upgrading a critical rail line and constructing a bypass to enable direct train services from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar.
• $500 million Stabilizing and Reforming the Banking Sector Programme, Subprogramme 1, aimed at strengthening regulation, corporate governance, asset quality, and financial stability.
• $400 million Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Programme, Subprogramme 2, designed to enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions in climate-critical sectors, and promote inclusive growth.

Enhanced project readiness and portfolio management helped strengthen implementation throughout 2025. The ADB also provided non-sovereign assistance to the private sector, supporting investments in textiles, renewable energy, trade finance, food security, microfinance, and public-private partnerships (PPP).

ADB worked closely with other development partners to coordinate support for the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership, public and financial sector reforms, economic diversification, and logistics. These efforts helped mobilize $720 million in co-financing. The bank also delivered targeted knowledge support to inform policy on foreign investment, inclusive development, and public debt management.

As of 31 December 2025, ADB’s cumulative sovereign and non-sovereign loan commitments to Bangladesh exceeded $42 billion, with an active sovereign portfolio comprising 48 projects totaling $10.8 billion.

Looking ahead to 2026, ADB plans to remain flexible to address Bangladesh’s evolving needs, prioritizing economic corridors, multimodal logistics, public sector reforms, capital market development, private sector growth, and digital transformation.

Founded in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is a leading multilateral development bank owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across the region through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships.