Dhaka Urges ADB, Partners to Boost Dev Amid Challenges

Bangladesh has urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and regional partners to boost development efforts in response to global economic, climate and digital challenges.

The call came during the 58th Annual Meeting of the ADB, held in Milan, Italy on Monday, according to a Finance Ministry press release issued on Tuesday.

Leading the Bangladesh delegation, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised the need for urgent action on digital inclusion, climate resilience, regional integration, and sustainable financing.

Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other officials joined him at the meeting.

Speaking before ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa and delegates, Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is undergoing a historic transformation marked by transparency, inclusive growth and sustainable development under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.

“At this pivotal moment, ADB’s role as a trusted development partner is more important than ever—not just in financing, but in supporting systemic reform and long-term resilience,” he said.

The Finance Adviser outlined four key areas for enhanced collaboration with the ADB, which are Expanding digital infrastructure, e-governance and financial access, and Increasing concessional finance for renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and coastal resilience.

The others are promoting trade, energy connectivity and regional value chains and broadening access to concessional resources and innovative finance tools to support debt sustainability.

Salehuddin Ahmed also warned of Bangladesh’s continued vulnerability to inflation, climate shocks and geopolitical risks, emphasising the need for bold, collective action.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sharing Experiences, Building Tomorrow,’ is both timely and inspiring,” he said.

In a separate meeting, the Bangladesh delegation held bilateral talks with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The UK, which has provided over USD 3.19 billion in development aid to Bangladesh since independence, reaffirmed its support for key priorities, including climate resilience, humanitarian aid and inclusive economic growth.

The UK expressed interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, trade, digital governance and SME development.

Bangladesh, in turn, sought UK support in areas such as green investment, technical assistance, vocational training, river restoration and cybersecurity, reports UNB.