Dhaka: The World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region, Martin Raiser, arrives in Dhaka today. During his four-day visit, Raiser is scheduled to hold discussions with the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, the Finance Adviser, Energy Adviser, Bangladesh Bank Governor, and other senior government officials. Additionally, he will engage with representatives from civil society and the private sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Raiser will be accompanied by Pablo Saavedra, the World Bank’s Vice President for Prosperity. Saavedra is leading the World Bank’s initiatives concerning economic policy, poverty, finance, institutions, competition, and investment. The visit aims to strengthen the collaboration between Bangladesh and the World Bank, which has been a crucial development partner for the country since its independence.
The World Bank has committed approximately $44 billion to Bangladesh, primarily in grants or concessional credits. Bangladesh currently hosts the largest ongoing
program backed by the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA), underscoring the significance of this partnership in the nation’s development trajectory.