The Daily Corporate Desk
Dhaka, 13 October 2026: Bangladesh is in discussions with the World Bank to secure an additional $10 billion in financing, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said, stressing that no final decision has been reached and the process could take several more months.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after a meeting with the World Bank’s managing director in Bangkok, the finance minister said the discussions were part of an ongoing process to establish the basis for future cooperation between Bangladesh and the multilateral lender.
“No decision is being made at this stage. These are discussions, and further steps will be taken based on their outcome,” he said, adding that negotiations would continue over the coming months, including in Dhaka.
Discussions on financing and economic policy
Amir Khosru expressed satisfaction with the progress of discussions, saying the World Bank was aligned with Bangladesh’s economic policies, programmes and medium- to long-term development plans.
He said the lender understood the economic challenges facing Bangladesh, including existing financial obligations inherited by the current government and the wider economic disruptions caused by ongoing global conflicts.
According to the minister, the World Bank has expressed a strong willingness to support Bangladesh’s efforts to restore economic stability and establish a sustainable growth trajectory.
“The World Bank is very keen to stand by Bangladesh,” he said, adding that the government’s economic policy direction and plans for the future were consistent with the institution’s approach.
Partnership framework under discussion
The finance minister also said Bangladesh and the World Bank were discussing the framework for their future partnership.
Bangladesh has submitted a written proposal, while the World Bank has provided recommendations and suggestions. Both sides have presented their respective positions, he added.
The discussions are expected to help determine the next steps and establish the basis for possible decisions on future financial cooperation.
However, the minister did not provide details about the proposed financing’s terms, allocation or intended sectors, and no final agreement has been announced.
Government maintains confidence in economic targets
Asked about inflation and gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts issued by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Amir Khosru said the government did not intend to challenge the projections made by international institutions.
He noted that the organisations had developed their forecasts using their own calculations and analytical methods.
The government, he said, remained focused on achieving the economic targets outlined in the national budget and expected to meet its stated projections.
If secured, the proposed additional financing could expand Bangladesh’s access to development funding. However, its eventual scale, terms and implementation will depend on the outcome of the ongoing discussions.
