The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering a $900 million budget support package for Bangladesh by March 2024. Of this, $400 million is expected in December to help the country navigate its transition from least developed country (LDC) status by 2026. The remaining $500 million will be allocated for banking sector reforms by March.
The announcement came after a meeting between the ADB delegation and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser and Finance Adviser. Discussions focused on financial sector reforms, digital tax systems, energy, and private sector investment. The interim government is seeking additional support to stabilize the economy, including $1 billion for the energy sector and $1.5 billion for financial reforms. The ADB expressed readiness to assist in vital structural reforms and policy-based lending. The government has requested $5 billion in total support from development partners, including $3 billion from the IMF.