By NNN-BSS
Washington : The World Bank (WB) will continue its support to Bangladesh to accelerate economic growth and poverty reduction.
Managing director of the World Bank Graeme Paul Wheeler stated this during his meeting with the Finance Adviser of Bangladesh Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam here on Saturday, a message received here Sunday said.
The WB appreciated the policy and institutional reforms being pursued by the present caretaker government and hoped that these reforms will contribute significantly to establishing a framework for good governance in Bangladesh.
Wheeler encouraged the government to pursue government-owned ongoing reforms robustly so that assistance from the Bank can be scaled up and effectively used for the benefit of the poor.
The Adviser thanked Mr. Wheeler for World Bank’s continued support and expressed the commitment of the Bangladesh government to pursue institutional and policy reforms.
The adviser also highlighted the reforms already implemented in combating corruption and separation of judiciary from the executive. He also mentioned developments in tax reforms and creation of Better Business Forum as a mark of advancing investment climate in Bangladesh.
He indicated that there has been an improvement in the aid resources in Bangladesh following various actions taken by the present government under the leadership of the Chief Adviser, which justifies more support from the Bank, the message added.
The finance adviser also reiterated the need for continued assistance from the World Bank on those sectors, which have direct bearing on poverty reduction efforts along with focus on addressing the challenges emanating from climate change.
On the sidelines of the Bank Fund meeting, the Adviser had a detailed meeting with the Bangladesh Country Team in the World Bank. The Finance Adviser appreciated Bank’s commitment to provide sealed up budget support following the recent floods.
He reiterated the sincere intention of the interim government to transfer power to the elected government by the end of 2008 and highlighted the major policy and institutional reforms such as
the reconstitution of Anti-Corruption Commission, Election Commission and the Public Service Commission.
During these meetings, Alternative Executive Director Zakir Ahmed Khan, ERD Secretary Md. Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Finance Secretary Dr. Mohammad Tareque and Bangladesh Ambassador to the US M Humayun Kabir and Economic Minister and Mr. Mahfuzul Haque were present.