Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda has met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka to discuss Bangladesh's development priorities during a visit that highlighted funding announcements totalling $5 billion.
The ADB said it intends to provide $5 billion over five years for the Integrated Growth Network Development Initiative, presented by Kanda during the visit.
Bangladesh is entering a critical new phase, he said, adding that the ADB will help the country protect hard-won stability, unlock new sources of growth and build a more diversified and resilient economy that delivers better jobs and wider opportunity, according to a press release issued on 25 May.
During the visit, the lender signed about $1.4 billion in loans as part of the 2026 annual commitment program.
The ADB's support was scaled up by $250 million to help address financing gaps linked to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, which is adding pressure on Bangladesh's economy and driving up the cost of fuel, liquefied natural gas, fertilizer and shipping, the regional lender said.
