World Bank President Ajay Banga has expressed strong support for Bangladesh, praising the detailed sector wise election manifesto of the ruling BNP and affirming full backing for the country’s development priorities.
The assurance came during a meeting with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in Washington DC on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, according to a message received in Dhaka on Wednesday night. The prime minister's adviser Rehan Asad was also present.
Ajay Banga congratulated the BNP on its historic victory in the 2026 parliamentary elections and formation of the government, while Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury sought enhanced World Bank support to transform Bangladesh’s economy, emphasising the need for timely disbursement of capital and scaling up commitments.
In response, Ajay Banga reiterated the World Bank’s support for Bangladesh in diversifying financing sources, including greater use of capital market instruments such as bonds alongside traditional concessional lending.
He placed particular emphasis on job creation for the younger generation through the digital economy, highlighting the need to strengthen nationwide digital connectivity and develop Digital Public Infrastructure.
During the meeting, Rehan Asad outlined the government’s commitment to building robust digital infrastructure across the country, both wireless and wireline, and discussed reforms in the ICT and telecommunications sector as well as a newly launched Digital Public Infrastructure project aimed at providing every citizen with a digital identity and a digital bank account.
The World Bank expressed strong interest in partnering with the Bangladesh government on this digital transformation initiative.
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury also highlighted the importance of developing the creative industry sector as a new driver of economic growth and employment, seeking World Bank support in this area.
Ajay Banga stressed the urgency of implementing a comprehensive reform package, with a focus on resolving non-performing loans, strengthening the financial sector and reforming revenue administration.
The finance minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to carrying out these reforms, including improvements in tax governance and modernisation of the National Board of Revenue, and requested the World Bank to prioritise support for digital connectivity and the digital economy to create employment opportunities for young people.
Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration going forward, linking financial sector reform with innovation and the expansion of digital infrastructure.
