Amid Bangladesh’s ongoing dollar crisis and shrinking foreign exchange reserves, $4.7 billion in donor pledges remain untapped, equivalent to approximately Tk 5.12 trillion. These funds, earmarked for development projects, have yet to be utilized due to bureaucratic complexities and capacity constraints. While the government has formed a special committee to expedite disbursement, past efforts have faltered. Notably, only one-third of the pledged aid has been utilized to date, underscoring the urgency for efficient allocation. The staggering pipeline sum, equivalent to Tk 5.12 trillion, could fund two annual development programs or construct 15 metro rail projects. Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank account for nearly half of the idle funds, highlighting the significance of streamlined processes with major donors. To expedite aid disbursement, the government has formed a special committee, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address implementation challenges. Economists stress the importance of promptly releasing pledged funds to mitigate the prevailing economic turmoil.
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