World Bank (WB) Managing Director for Operations Axel van Trotsenburg on Tuesday reaffirmed the World Bank’s strong support for Bangladesh to help achieve its vision of upper-middle income status by 2031, reports UNB.
“We are committed to supporting Bangladesh in its goal to become an upper-middle income country by 2031. For this, we will help create more private sector jobs, improve social and economic inclusion, and reduce climate vulnerability.
It has tackled many development challenges in remarkable ways. It has reduced poverty in record time and has played a leading and innovative role in disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change,” said van Trotsenburg.
He said Bangladesh’s development and growth trajectory is an inspiration for many countries.
“The World Bank has been a steadfast partner for the past five decades and remains committed to help Bangladesh achieve green and inclusive economic growth and development.”
Earlier on Monday, van Trotsenburg met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and commended Bangladesh’s role in climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness, and the Prime Minister’s strong leadership as the chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum during 2020-2022.
“Despite being severely affected by climate change, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in climate resilience and disaster preparedness by taking a bold and innovative approach reducing cyclone-related deaths more than 100-fold since 1971,” he added.
The World Bank helped Bangladesh build and rehabilitate more than 700 km of coastal embankments, 1,000 cyclone shelters that also operate as schools, and 550 km of paved roads that improve access for surrounding villages, the WB MD added.
He said, “The World Bank is helping Bangladesh navigate through challenges of global shocks, including the impacts of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and address barriers to higher growth.”
Over the 50-year partnership, the World Bank has committed about $39 billion in International Development Association (IDA) financing in the form of grants, interest-free loans, and concessional credits to help the country.
Axel van Trotsenburg came to Dhaka on Saturday on a three-day visit, marking the 50 years of partnership between the World Bank and Bangladesh.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
