World Bank VP Hails Reforms, Pledges Continued Support

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Johannes Zutt and Division Director Jean Pesme met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today.

Johannes Zutt, the newly appointed World Bank Vice President for South Asia, has praised Bangladesh's economic reforms and expressed strong support for the country’s inclusive growth under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Zutt, accompanied by World Bank’s new Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme, met Professor Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday. During the meeting, he recalled his previous tenure as the World Bank's country director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, highlighting his long-standing connection with the country.

“Congratulations to you and your fantastic team for doing a good job,” Zutt said, appreciating the Interim Government’s efforts in addressing significant challenges, particularly in the financial sector. He reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development, stating, “We share the ambition of the people of Bangladesh and are prepared to continue the journey together.”

He also paid tribute to the students who sacrificed their lives during the July Uprising last year, calling it “a moving moment for everyone connected with Bangladesh.”

Professor Yunus thanked the World Bank for its continued support and reflected on the country’s situation when the Interim Government took office. “When we assumed office, it felt like a catastrophic zone after an earthquake. We had no prior experience, but the support from development partners helped build our confidence,” he said.

Highlighting the role of youth in the July Uprising, Yunus said, “What our young people did last July was historic. Girls and women played a significant role. We are observing July Women’s Day today. Their sacrifices must not go in vain. Our focus must be on empowering the youth and matching their ambition.”

Yunus urged the World Bank to view Bangladesh beyond its geographical boundaries, stressing that the country's economic potential is much broader. “If Bangladesh prospers, the entire South Asian region will benefit. We must strengthen international trade and transport, especially by utilising our ocean resources.”

He also invited foreign investors to set up factories in Bangladesh, saying, “Many countries lack a young workforce. We can provide the essentials to become a regional production hub.”

Zutt commended Professor Yunus for his work in women’s empowerment and noted Bangladesh’s success with the girl’s education stipend programme, which the World Bank had supported and which has since been replicated elsewhere.

He confirmed that the World Bank provided over $3 billion in financing to Bangladesh in the last financial year and pledged similar support over the next three years to help create more opportunities for the youth.

Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy for International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, also attended the meeting and provided updates on the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port. He reported increased container handling due to improved operational management and highlighted a significant rise in net foreign direct investment in early 2025, driven by stronger intra-company loans and equity investments.