During a courtesy visit with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka, World Bank (WB) Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer expressed that developing nations could find value in emulating Bangladesh’s development approach.
He commended the country’s remarkable progress, citing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s strategic leadership and meticulous plans. Iyer conveyed his sentiment during a subsequent media briefing, highlighting that Bangladesh’s model could serve as an exemplar for other developing nations.
The Prime Minister shared insights with the WB official about her administration’s comprehensive uplift programs, aimed at fostering holistic development across Bangladesh. She underscored the transformative strides achieved through methodical planning and execution under her government’s guidance, particularly emphasizing poverty alleviation and improved quality of life for all citizens.
Acknowledging the enduring challenges posed by climate change, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina noted Bangladesh’s resilience despite not being a significant carbon emitter. In response, Iyer pledged the World Bank’s commitment to assisting Bangladesh in implementing its Delta Plan-2100, recognizing the country’s vulnerability to environmental shifts.
Appreciating Bangladesh’s sanitation system, Iyer lauded it as remarkable. He also praised the vibrant role of the private sector in the nation’s development, characterizing it as thriving. Prime Minister Hasina affirmed her government’s dedication to fostering private sector growth, emphasizing their open-door policy and unwavering support for private enterprise.
In addition to the WB Executive Director and the Prime Minister, the meeting included the presence of Alternative Executive Director of the WB Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, and Economic Relations Division Secretary Sharifa Khan, among others.
