Help implement Delta Plan

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought support from the Asian Development Bank to implement Delta Plan 2100.

"This Delta Plan is very important for Bangladesh," she told ADB Vice President (operations-1) Shixin Chen when he called on her at the Gono Bhaban yesterday.

In 2018, the government launched the Delta Plan 2100 to secure the future use of the country's water resources and mitigate the impact of climate change and natural calamities.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the premier urged the ADB to help Bangladesh foster regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of connectivity, trade facilitation and energy cooperation.

Hasina said the Covid situation in Bangladesh is under control now and after two years the people freely celebrated the Eid festival last week.

She highly appreciated the help of the Manila-based multilateral donor during the pandemic.

Regarding the transition period of Bangladesh's graduation to a developing economy, the PM said her government has undertaken various programmes to face it.

Talking about food shortage due to the Russia-Ukraine war, Hasina said her government has undertaken programmes to grow more food.

Regarding the regional connectivity for development, the PM said Bangladesh has opened the door for improving connectivity. The routes which were closed after the 1965 war (between India and Pakistan) have been reopened, she added.

The premier sought participation of senior Bangladeshi officials in the ADB's top management and administration.

Shixin Chen appreciated Bangladesh's economic development despite the pandemic under Hasina's excellent leadership.

He said the ADB will always stand by Bangladesh and help its development as it has strong ties with the country.

Talking about Bangladesh's graduation from the LDC group to a developing country, the ADB official said it is usually critical and the country is doing well.

He expressed ADB's interest in helping Bangladesh in the social protection programmes.

Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin, PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus, Economic Relations Division Secretary Fatima Yasmin, ADB Deputy Director General (South Asian Department) Manmohan Parkash and its Country Director Edimon Ginting were present.