Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Monday to discuss Bangladesh’s development priorities, announcing funding commitments totalling $5 billion, according to an ADB Dhaka Office press release.
During the visit, ADB signed approximately $1.4 billion in loans under its 2026 annual commitment programme. An additional $250 million was allocated to address financing gaps caused by the Middle East conflict, which has driven up fuel, liquefied natural gas, fertiliser, and shipping costs amid high inflation and stress in the banking sector.
ADB will work with the government and development partners to monitor the economic impact, mobilise additional financing and private investment, and support diversified energy sources, expanded exports, and stronger institutions.
The bank also unveiled the Integrated Growth Network Development Initiative, a five-year programme providing $5 billion to expand investment, create jobs, improve connectivity, and promote balanced regional development. The initiative will deliver around $1 billion annually and will be integrated into ADB’s sovereign commitment envelope for Bangladesh.
Under the plan, ADB will increase its annual sovereign commitments for Bangladesh from $2.0 billion to $2.4 billion over the medium term. The higher envelope will support investment-led growth, job creation, economic diversification, governance reform, and a smooth transition from least developed country status.
ADB will provide $2 million in technical assistance to prepare and implement Bangladesh’s medium-term development framework and to align ADB’s forthcoming country partnership strategy with government priorities.
Masato Kanda also met Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury to discuss Bangladesh’s reform agenda, macroeconomic pressures, external financing needs, and ADB’s support for growth and resilience priorities.
The bank engaged key private sector leaders to discuss investment opportunities and constraints. ADB is working with the government to mobilise private capital through deeper capital markets, preparation of bankable projects, and co-financing arrangements.
ADB, founded in 1966 and owned by 69 members, 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, supports sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across the region. The bank uses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build infrastructure, and safeguard the environment.
