The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved three significant projects totalling USD 1.16 billion to support Bangladesh’s development. This financial aid will target essential areas including healthcare, water and sanitation, and climate resilience, according to the bank's announcement on Friday.
"Bangladesh is extremely susceptible to climate change and encounters significant pollution issues. Enhancing climate resilience across various sectors and tackling pollution are vital priorities," said Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. "This new funding will deliver essential services like healthcare and water, while promoting clean, climate-resilient, and sustainable growth."
One of the sanctioned projects is the USD 500 million Second Bangladesh Green and Climate Resilient Development Credit. This project aims to assist the country in shifting towards a greener and more climate-resilient future by backing reforms in public planning, financing, and execution.
It also emphasizes promoting resource-efficient production, cutting down air pollution, and improving sustainable water and sanitation services. Importantly, the program will progress the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and support the implementation of sustainable public procurement practices.
Additionally, a USD 379 million Health, Nutrition, and Population Sector Development Program-For-Results aims to improve access to quality health and nutrition services for around 5.1 million people, especially in the Sylhet and Chattogram regions.
The project seeks to reduce maternal and newborn death rates, strengthen the healthcare infrastructure, and prioritize support for vulnerable populations, particularly in areas susceptible to climate-related dangers. Furthermore, the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents (GFF) will contribute a USD 25 million grant.
The Chattogram Water Supply Improvement Project, valued at USD 280 million, aims to deliver safe water and better sanitation services to more than a million residents in Chattogram.
This initiative involves establishing 200,000 new household water connections and addressing water loss by boosting operational efficiency with new meters and smart monitoring systems. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the financial sustainability of the Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (CWASA).
Since gaining independence, Bangladesh has had the World Bank as a crucial partner in its development, with the bank committing over USD 45 billion in funding to meet the country's requirements.