Special Correspondent //

Bangladesh’s bold and urgent reforms can accelerate inclusive growth, said Johannes Jutt, Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, after his first official visit to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Jutt added that the World Bank will continue to support the country’s development priorities and support the people of Bangladesh. Jutt met with Professor Muhammad Yunus, Principal Advisor to the Interim Government, and commended the government for undertaking important reforms needed to lay the foundation for economic resilience and enhance transparency and accountability in government institutions. This information was given in a statement sent by the World Bank’s Dhaka office.

The statement said that during the visit, Jutt briefed the Principal Advisor on ongoing and planned World Bank assistance to Bangladesh. Responding to the country’s urgent needs, the World Bank last fiscal year committed more than $3 billion to improve essential services, including health, water and sanitation, and social protection, to increase infrastructure and environmental sustainability, and to support financial and public sector reforms.

“I am delighted to return to Bangladesh, where people, especially young people, are determined to build a better future,” he said. “Our long-standing partnership with Bangladesh has helped lift millions out of poverty, and we will continue to help the country build economic and climate resilience, activate private investment, and create meaningful work opportunities.”

During his visit, Jutt met with the Finance Advisor, Planning Advisor, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, the Special Envoy for International Affairs, as well as other senior government officials and private sector representatives.

He expressed his views.