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.
