Bangladesh will require an estimated 421 billion US dollars in additional funding over the next five years to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, according to an official government study presented in the capital.
The findings were unveiled during a national validation workshop organised by the Economic Relations Division alongside the United Nations Development Programme and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.
The event examined the updated Development Finance Assessment, a globally recognised framework that aligns national financial policies and institutional resources with key development targets.
Economic Relations Division Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky addressed attendees as chief guest, acknowledging the steep financial hurdles facing the country before the 2030 deadline.
Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky noted that time remains tight and global economic conditions remain unpredictable but expressed confidence that steady progress remains achievable through clear priorities and improved governance.
UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak emphasised the need to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, noting that global development assistance is becoming increasingly scarce.
She urged Bangladeshi authorities to raise the domestic tax-to-gross domestic product ratio and create stronger incentives for private sector investment that are aligned with sustainable development objectives.
Economic Relations Division Additional Secretary A.H.M. Jahangir stressed that a joined-up national financing strategy is critical as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne highlighted that bridging the funding shortfall requires active collaboration across all government agencies, international development partners, financial institutions, and civil society groups.
Presenting the detailed findings, University of Dhaka Economics Professor Dr Selim Raihan outlined the changing financial landscape facing the country.
Professor Dr Selim Raihan explained that the required 421 billion dollars for the financial years 2026 to 2030 must primarily come from domestic public revenues, private enterprise investments, dedicated climate finance, and international partnerships.
The UNDP Climate Finance Network Programme, which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom supports, backed the workshop.
Delegates will use the feedback they have gathered to finalise the official Development Finance Assessment and the national financing strategy.
