Significant World Bank pledge
The visiting World Bank (WB) chief has stated that Bangladesh has made "great progress in reducing child malnutrition and stunting" and committed to provide US$1billion over the next three years to that effect. We are happy to see that relations with the WB have been normalised and we are back on track, having been derailed over the Padma Bridge financing issue, which had unfortunately driven a wedge between the bank and the government. Whatever shortcomings there were on our side it is now clear that the WB acted rather highhandedly, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the loan earmarked for the building of the bridge.
We are glad that things have moved beyond that and we echo the prime minister's feelings that the WB has showcased our success in reducing poverty over the last three years. It is good to see this very important development partner give due recognition to the government's social safety net programmes that have helped reach the extreme poor and promote women empowerment.
We look forward to more constructive cooperation between us and the WB, and from all indications it appears that the bank is looking at avenues for greater involvement in areas beyond poverty reduction, particularly, in promoting private sector investment by strengthening governance and improving the investment climate.
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