Govt Seeks Tk 651.4M WB Funding for Rail Project

Bangladesh is set to receive $3.5 billion in external financing in June, including $1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the fourth and fifth tranche payments under its loan program, confirmed Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur.

Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the next IMF loan tranches, Bangladesh has secured a green signal from the World Bank for $500 million in budget support under its Resilience and Recovery Development Policy Credit-II programme. This approval, expected to be finalized by June following a negotiation on Wednesday

The World Bank has approved a \$280 million loan for the Chattogram Water Supply Improvement Project (CWSIP), aimed at enhancing safe, climate-resilient water supply and sanitation in Chattogram city. Signed on 10 May 2024, the agreement between Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division and the World Bank outlines a project to improve water access and sanitation, while also boosting the performance and financial sustainability of Chattogram Wasa

The government of Bangladesh is planning to appoint globally experienced foreign firms to operate Chattogram Port and other key sea and land ports to address capacity limitations and reduce container congestion, as stated by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Talks between Bangladesh and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the next tranches of a $4.7 billion loan ended in Washington without an agreement. Key sticking points include IMF demands for more flexible exchange rates and stronger revenue collection.

Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram is set to revive its 270-tonne cargo hub as part of a broader plan to strengthen Bangladesh’s air cargo infrastructure and prepare for new export routes, including direct cargo flights to China.