Dhaka: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide US$ 1 billion to Bangladesh annually in concessional financing over the next five years. ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong assured this support during a meeting with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Forest Department today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting focused on ADB's commitment to enhancing Bangladesh's climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Rizwana emphasized the need for ADB to increase its focus on climate-centered and socially inclusive activities rather than traditional infrastructure projects. Highlighting the government's ambitious plans to restore eight major rivers across the country's eight divisions, she urged ADB to prioritize river cleaning initiatives around Dhaka.
The environment adviser also stressed the importance of taking tangible actions on the ground instead of merely formulating action plans. She called for concessional loans and sought ADB's support in tackling key environmental challenges, including solid waste management, sewage treatment, salinity intrusion, waterlogging, and human-elephant conflicts.
Yun Jeong reiterated ADB's commitment to providing Bangladesh with US$ 1 billion annually in concessional financing over the next five years. He assured enhanced financial support, including grants, to advance Bangladesh's environmental goals. The ADB country director expressed strong interest in river cleaning projects and highlighted ADB's commitment to increasing community engagement and public consultations during project implementation.
The meeting was attended by the environment secretary, chief conservator of forests, and representatives from ADB.