The World Bank wants to support the interim government in all matters. The company is in no way concerned about the repayment of Bangladesh’s loan installments. Rather, they want to invest more to increase employment in Bangladesh.
On Tuesday (August 13), Finance and Planning Advisor at the Ministry of Planning. Salehuddin Ahmed held a meeting with the country director of the World Bank and the country manager of the IFC. At the end of the meeting, Abdoulaye Sek, Country Director of the World Bank said these things.
Abdoulaye Sek said the interim government is ready to work to continue the longstanding strong partnership between the World Bank and Bangladesh, with commitments of more than $42 billion since 1972.
When asked about the World Bank’s decision to invest in Bangladesh after the change of government, Abdoulaye Sek said, “We have come to know about Bangladesh’s commitment.” As a result, we also discussed how to cooperate in reforming the economy of Bangladesh. Because Bangladesh needs some complex reforms. There is a need for reforms in the financial sector, there is a need for reforms in trade, we are interested in investing in them.
He said, ‘We are now interested in working to create a job market in the private sector in this country. Especially the youth is a big asset here. Also, climate change is a big risk here, requiring interim investment. We are working to build a long-term relationship between Bangladesh and the World Bank.
In response to the question whether the World Bank is concerned about the repayment of Bangladesh’s debt installments, Abdoulaye Sek said, “We are not at all concerned about Bangladesh’s debt installments.” We have a relationship with Bangladesh for more than 50 years. I can say from experience working in many countries, it is never a concern of ours.
Concerned about Bangladesh’s economic woes a few months ago, he also proposed some reforms. When asked about his position on Bangladesh now, he said, ‘It is our very complicated agenda in Bangladesh. As you have seen, the World Bank Group has supported many reforms. However, there are several issues here. Like how you will reduce defaulted loans, how you will bring stability in banks. I think our agenda is very important for this. We are also keen to work on reforming them.
IFC Country Manager in Bangladesh, Martin Holtmann said, ‘We have seen many principles come to power here. The World Bank is working on reforms here. A strong economy requires a strong financial sector. We are interested in investing in the private sector, especially in the banking sector and also want to work on raising capital. There are many opportunities for digitalization in Bangladesh.
Finance and planning advisor. Salehuddin Ahmed said, “The World Bank will provide all the necessary support to start our stagnant economy. We have sought the cooperation of IFC and World Bank. They said, they can do anything for the people of Bangladesh. They will invest according to the rules.
