ADB hails govt socio-economic agenda

Visiting Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Xiaoyu Zhao today termed the socio-economic agenda of the Awami League government's election manifesto as 'courageous' and 'farsighted.

“The programmes you have undertaken have been imprinted in the hearts of common people. You would get people’s support in implementing the programmes,” Zhao told Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when he met with the premier at her office, adding that success of any programme depends on active participation of the people.

A delegation of ADB led by Zhao came here last night on a two-day visit as part of their mission for updating working relations with the new government in Bangladesh.

In the meeting, the ADB team appreciated the work plans of the government and thanked the prime minister for incorporating such pro-people programmes in the election manifesto, which earned a huge popular mandate.

On the other hand, Hasina sought increased assistance from the ADB for bankrolling Bangladesh’s comprehensive development agenda undertaken by her government.

Highlighting her government’s vision, the prime minister said her government would give emphasis on poverty eradication, development of power, energy, community health services, railway communications, dredging rivers and other social sectors to improve the living standard of the common people.

Zhao assured of providing more assistance in support of the development efforts of Bangladesh.

ERD Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad were present.

ADB is one the major development partners of Bangladesh. The cumulative lending to the country by the end of December 2008 came to about US$ 9.86 billion borne in 192 loans while technical-assistance grants amounted to US$ 183.16 million for 332 projects.

Share on