Bangladesh has an impressive record in various aspects of development, including poverty reduction, climate change adaptation and disaster-risk preparedness, says the World Bank.
“I look forward to working closely with the government and people of Bangladesh as the country works towards the goal of achieving upper-middle income status by 2031,” said the incoming World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Abdoulaye Seck .
The World Bank is keen to be development partner of Bangladesh.
The World Bank was among the first development partners to support Bangladesh following its independence.
Since then the World Bank has committed more than $37 billion in grants, interest-free, and concessional credits to the country.
Bangladesh currently has the largest ongoing International Development Association (IDA) program totaling over $15.7 billion in 55 active projects.
The World Bank said in a press release on Friday that World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region, Martin Raiser will be accompanied by the incoming country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Abdoulaye Seck.
World Bank Vice President will arrive in Dhaka today (Saturday).
Raiser said, “I am glad to be back in Bangladesh and to continue discussing with the government the important reforms that can help the country stay on the resilient and inclusive growth path and create opportunities for the people."
During his three-day visit, Raiser will meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, along with other senior government officials.
He will introduce Seck, who will assume the position of the World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan on January 1, 2023.
They will also visit a World Bank-supported project.
A Senegalese national, Seck joined the World Bank in 1995 as an economist and has since held leadership positions in different countries.
Prior to taking this assignment, Seck served as the Country Director for Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. He also served as the World Bank Country Manager for Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Moldova.
