Economy
Bangladesh Secures $490mn from ADB for Rural Connectivity and Urban Development
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Commits $490 Million to Enhance Urban Governance and Rural Roads in Bangladesh
In a significant move aimed at bolstering Bangladesh’s infrastructure and fostering sustainable development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged a substantial sum of $490 million in loans. The agreements, inked between Sharifa Khan, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Edimon Ginting, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh, mark a crucial step towards realizing these developmental aspirations. The accord encompasses two vital projects: a $190 million allocation for the ‘Rural Connectivity Improvement’ initiative and a substantial $300 million for the ‘Urban Governance and Infrastructure Programme’.
Underlining the nation’s focus on rural development, the ‘Rural Connectivity Improvement’ project, now in its second phase with additional financing, is being executed by the proficient Local Government Engineering Department. With a resolute objective, the project aims to revamp rural infrastructure, facilitating access to productive agricultural zones. This endeavor seeks to elevate rural roadways to meet all-weather standards, integrating climate resilience measures, while concurrently enhancing stakeholder capacity through effective training mechanisms.
Shifting gears to urban landscapes, the ‘Urban Governance and Infrastructure Programme’ is set to be implemented by the adept Local Government and Engineering Department. With a slated timeline from July 2023 to June 2028, this venture is geared towards achieving meticulously planned, inclusive, and sustainable urbanization. A cornerstone of this initiative involves the enhancement of city governance, a pivotal step towards uplifting overall infrastructure. This concerted effort not only envisages elevated living standards but also envisions a harmonious synthesis between urban growth and efficient governance.
As Bangladesh marches forward on its journey of progress, these agreements with the Asian Development Bank stand as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to fortifying its rural roots, while also propelling its urban centers toward a future marked by robust infrastructure, judicious governance, and sustainable growth.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
