B Mirror Report: Bangladesh has sought financial assistance from the World Bank to cope with rising energy costs amid global economic uncertainty, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

Speaking to journalists on Monday (October 12) in Bangkok at the start of the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, the minister said discussions were underway with the World Bank to secure financial support for managing the additional burden on the energy sector.

He said Bangladesh was facing increased energy expenditure due to the volatile global situation and needed adequate financial safeguards to manage the pressure. The World Bank had shown a positive attitude towards providing assistance, he added.

The minister said cooperation with the World Bank should extend beyond existing funds and ongoing projects to address broader economic challenges, including energy sector pressures and rising costs caused by global instability.

Discussions are also underway on a structural agreement between Bangladesh and the World Bank to make their partnership more effective. The minister said the process was ongoing and further steps would depend on progress in discussions and coordination between the two sides.

He also stressed the importance of aligning World Bank-supported initiatives with the objectives and priorities outlined in the government’s election manifesto.

Meanwhile, a possible new lending programme with the IMF is expected to be another key issue during the annual meetings, which run from October 12 to 18 in Bangkok. Finance ministers, central bank governors and senior officials from international financial institutions are attending the meetings.

However, no official announcement has been made regarding the potential size, conditions or timeline of a new IMF lending programme for Bangladesh.

Rising energy import costs pose a particular challenge for Bangladesh as an import-dependent economy, putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves and government expenditure.

Against this backdrop, securing external financial assistance alongside strengthening revenue collection, improving banking sector capacity and ensuring efficient public spending will be important for maintaining macroeconomic stability.

The outcome of Bangladesh’s discussions with the World Bank and the progress of negotiations with the IMF are expected to be closely watched as the country seeks to address mounting economic pressures.