Bangladesh has urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its regional partners to step up development efforts in the face of mounting global challenges, including economic volatility, climate change, and the digital divide.
The appeal was made during the 58th Annual Meeting of the ADB, held on Monday in Milan, Italy, according to a press release from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Finance issued on Tuesday.
Leading the country’s delegation, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted the urgent need for stronger collaboration on issues such as digital inclusion, climate resilience, regional integration, and sustainable financing. He was joined by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other senior officials.
In his remarks before ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa and attending delegates, Dr Ahmed said Bangladesh is in the midst of a significant transformation driven by transparency, inclusive growth, and sustainable development under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
“At this critical juncture, ADB’s role as a trusted development partner is more vital than ever—not only in terms of financing but also in driving systemic reforms and fostering long-term resilience,” he said.
Dr Ahmed proposed four key areas for enhanced cooperation with the ADB. Those are expanding digital infrastructure, e-governance, and financial access and scaling up concessional financing for renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and coastal protection.
Promoting regional trade, energy connectivity, and value chain integration and broadening access to innovative financing tools to support debt sustainability are other areas.
He also warned of Bangladesh’s ongoing vulnerability to inflation, climate shocks, and geopolitical tensions, calling for bold, coordinated international action.
“This year’s theme, ‘Sharing Experiences, Building Tomorrow,’ is both timely and forward-looking,” he noted.
On the sidelines of the ADB meeting, the Bangladeshi delegation also held bilateral discussions with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The UK, which has provided over USD 3.19 billion in aid to Bangladesh since its independence, reaffirmed its commitment to key areas including climate adaptation, humanitarian support, and inclusive growth.
The UK also expressed interest in deepening cooperation on renewable energy, digital governance, trade, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Bangladesh, in return, sought UK assistance in areas such as green investment, technical training, cybersecurity, vocational education, and river ecosystem restoration.