Bangladesh is set to welcome Martin Raiser, the World Bank Vice President for South Asia, on a significant visit aimed at strengthening the country’s development partnership with the global financial institution. Scheduled from July 14 to July 17, the visit marks a renewed commitment by the World Bank to support Bangladesh in key areas of economic transformation, social progress, and climate resilience. During his four-day trip, Raiser will meet with government officials, community stakeholders, and development partners to discuss Bangladesh’s evolving needs and how the World Bank can best align its support. The visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is making strides in sectors such as infrastructure, education, and social protection—while also navigating global challenges like climate change and economic volatility. This engagement reflects the deep and longstanding collaboration between Bangladesh and the World Bank, which has financed over $40 billion in development projects in the country to date. These initiatives range from expanding access to electricity and clean water to supporting education for millions of children and improving transport connectivity. One of the key themes of this visit will be climate adaptation. Bangladesh, as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world, has been recognized globally for its proactive steps in disaster risk reduction, coastal protection, and sustainable agriculture. The World Bank has pledged continued assistance in building resilience through green infrastructure and improved urban planning. In addition to high-level meetings in Dhaka, Raiser will visit World Bank-financed project sites to observe first-hand the progress and impact of development programs on local communities. This grassroots-level engagement ensures that the voices of beneficiaries are included in future planning and policy recommendations. Raiser’s visit also underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation. With South Asia facing shared challenges such as climate migration, youth unemployment, and food security, Bangladesh is increasingly seen as a leader in innovative policy responses. The World Bank aims to help scale up these successes across the region. The visit is expected to pave the way for enhanced development financing and policy collaboration, particularly in light of Bangladesh’s aspirations to become a high-income country by 2041. Through continued partnership, the World Bank and Bangladesh can work together to unlock inclusive growth, create more jobs, and ensure sustainable development for future generations.
