Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s speech writer Md Nazrul Islam conveyed the premier’s focus on inclusive development.

Hasina underscored her government’s priority on enhancing the purchasing power of citizens to fuel industrialisation and foster job creation. She highlighted key sectors where ADB’s assistance could be augmented.

Emphasising the importance of people-centric projects, she urged ADB to undertake initiatives benefitting a large segment of the population.

ADB’s Fatima Yasmin reaffirmed Bangladesh’s status as a priority country, citing a significant increase in support from 2009 to 2023.

She expressed ADB’s interest in implementing projects centred on river restoration, river-based tourism, and climate change adaptation. These initiatives align with ADB’s focus on human and social development, technical education, and health sectors.

Fatima Yasmin’s previous role as senior secretary in Bangladesh’s finance division underscores her understanding of the nation’s economic landscape.

Present at the meeting were PM’s principal secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Economic Relations Division secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)