Bangladesh Seeks Strategic Support from ADB to Strengthen Sustainability and Connectivity
Bangladesh has sought support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in four priority areas: digital inclusion, infrastructure development, e-governance, and expansion of digital education. The appeal was made by Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed while delivering the country's statement at the 58th Annual Meeting of the ADB held in Milan, Italy.
In addition to these digital priorities, three other key areas of cooperation were outlined: concessional financing for climate action, renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and coastal protection; recommendations to enhance regional connectivity and accelerate cross-border investments in trade, energy, and services among South and Southeast Asian countries; and increased sustainable and concessional financing options aimed at maintaining debt sustainability while meeting development needs through innovative economic cooperation.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday (6 April), the Economic Adviser also emphasized the importance of promoting digital equity, scaling up climate financing, and enhancing regional collaboration during the annual meeting. He highlighted that in the rapidly changing global context, sustainable development must focus on digital transformation, climate resilience, and deeper regional integration.
Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed led the Bangladesh delegation at the meeting, which included Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), among other members.
In his remarks to ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa and other dignitaries, Dr. Salehuddin said, “Under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is undergoing a historic transformation toward transparency, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.”
He added, “In this time of crisis, ADB’s role is more vital than ever—not only in financing but also in driving structural reforms and building long-term resilience.”
“To transform today’s crisis into tomorrow’s opportunity, we must embrace bold thinking, deep partnerships, and shared resolve,” he said, referring to this year’s theme, ‘Sharing Experience, Preparing for the Future’ as “timely and inspiring.”
The ministry's statement further mentioned that the Bangladesh delegation also met with representatives from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Over the past five decades, the UK has provided approximately USD 3.19 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh, mainly in the form of grants targeting poverty reduction, health, education, and institutional capacity building. Despite current financial challenges, the UK reaffirmed its continued support for Bangladesh’s key development priorities, including climate resilience, humanitarian aid, and inclusive growth.
Under its 2022 International Development Strategy, the FCDO also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, trade, climate finance, SME development, digital governance, and education. In turn, Bangladesh called for UK support in green investment, technical training, river restoration, private sector development, technical assistance, sanitation management, cybersecurity, and joint research initiatives.
