ADB, World Bank clear $1.5 bn loans to Bangladesh for reforms, climate push

The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank have approved loans worth $1.5 billion to help Bangladesh reform its banking sector, fight climate change among other projects, according to a media report on Friday.

 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $900 million loan, of which $500 million will support efforts to stabilise and reform the country's banking sector, while the remaining $400 million will promote climate-resilient and inclusive development initiatives, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

 

The $500 million policy-based loan aims to strengthen governance, asset quality and stability within Bangladesh's banking system, the ADB said in a statement on Thursday.

 

Separately, the ADB also approved a $400 million loan for the second phase of the Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Programme (CRIDP) aimed at supporting Bangladesh's efforts to adapt to climate change, cut emissions and foster inclusive economic growth.

 

Also on Thursday, the World Bank (WB) approved $640 million for two projects aimed at enhancing gas supply and improving air quality in Bangladesh.

 

With the ADB and WB approvals, Bangladesh is set to receive more than $1.5 billion -- a development that will ease the continued strain on its foreign currency reserves.