Finance
Sheikh Hasina | ADB PM seeks more assistance from ADB in socio-economic development
Dhaka, April 1: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought stronger support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to accelerate Bangladesh's efforts in socio-economic development of the people.
Sheikh Hasina sought this support when ADB Vice President (Sector and Theme) Fatima Yasmin met the Prime Minister at Ganabhaban on Sunday (March 31).
After the meeting, quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her speech writer Md. Nazrul Islam told reporters, "Our main goal is socio-economic development and inclusive progress of the people. Because the government is giving special priority to the development of rural people."
The Prime Minister told the ADB Vice President that her government is focused on increasing the purchasing power of the people of the country. Because it will help expand industrialization and create more job opportunities.
Sheikh Hasina seeks ADB's assistance in sectors such as climate change adaptation, agriculture, river dredging and restoration.
She called on the ADB Vice President to take up more people-centric projects - so that a large number of people can benefit.
The Prime Minister referred to his government's initiatives in 1996-2001 to open up various branches in the private sector, to take it forward and revitalize it - thereby expanding employment.
Fatima Yasmin said Bangladesh is one of ADB's top priority countries and ADB's assistance to Bangladesh has increased fivefold to 3.4 billion US dollars from 2009 to 2023.
She further told the Prime Minister that ADB is interested in implementing projects like river restoration, river based tourism, recreation centers and irrigation. Because it is prioritizing projects in climate change adaptation, human and social development, technical education and health sector.
