[🇧🇩] Reforms carried out by the interim/future Govts.

[Saif]

Don't worry about reforms, we will implement them: BNP's Amir Khosru

BNP leader Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stressed the need for political unity to support the interim government in ensuring a democratic transition of power. There is no need for others to worry about state reforms as the BNP is committed to implementing them, he said at the seventh national confer

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Don't worry about reforms, we will implement them: BNP's Amir Khosru
Published :
Nov 30, 2024 13:43
Updated :
Nov 30, 2024 13:43

BNP leader Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stressed the need for political unity to support the interim government in ensuring a democratic transition of power.

There is no need for others to worry about state reforms as the BNP is committed to implementing them, he said at the seventh national conference of Gono Forum at the Engineers Institution Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.

The BNP leader accused those aligned with authoritarian powers of trying to destabilise the country through various means, reports bdnews24.com.

"Once authoritarian forces seize power by stripping the people of their autonomy and voting rights, they take away other rights as well," he said.

He referred to a string of recent events, including the Ansar revolts, incidents involving minorities, and unrest linked to autorickshaw drivers, that he alleged were aimed at creating instability.

"These activities are attempts to disrupt stability. Today, as we dream of building a new Bangladesh, political parties and the united populace must share a singular vision for the nation's future," Khosru added.

"We have removed the autocratic forces, but to fulfil the people’s expectations and aspirations, we must return to democratic norms collectively."

Khosru also addressed recent events that have stoked communal tensions, saying: "Incidents in the name of religion need to be analysed deeply. While I won’t claim communal issues don’t exist in Bangladesh, efforts to exaggerate and create instability must be thwarted. The destructive reactions seen abroad, such as attacks on Bangladesh's consulate in Kolkata, do not reflect the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people."

"We must ensure that external influences do not hinder our aspirations to build the Bangladesh of tomorrow. The only path forward is a peaceful, democratic process for transferring power, and everyone must unite behind this mission."

Khosru outlined his party's goal of restoring the people's democratic rights through elections.

"We presented a 31-point reform plan a year ago, which encompasses our vision for Bangladesh. It is this agenda that we pledge to implement as a national government after the elections."

"There’s no need to worry about reforms. We agree to make the necessary electoral and governance reforms based on a consensus of national unity. These changes can be implemented swiftly, ensuring power is returned to the people through elections."

Emphasising reforms to fulfil national aspirations, he added: "The upcoming national government will implement the 31-point agenda. This is a promise to the nation, and we are fully committed to realising it."​

 

[Saif]

State reforms vital for improving education system

University faculty members at an event yesterday argued that a corrupt state system inevitably leads to a decline in education quality and emphasised that reforming the state system was essential for improving the education sector.

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State reforms vital for improving education system
University teachers say at Star discussion

Participants of “Pedagogy of Protest: A Discussion with University Teachers on the Frontlines” at The Daily Star Centre yesterday. The event was organised as part of the newspaper’s weeklong event styled “36 Days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts”. Photo: Star

University faculty members at an event yesterday argued that a corrupt state system inevitably leads to a decline in education quality and emphasised that reforming the state system was essential for improving the education sector.

They made the remarks during a discussion titled "Pedagogy of Protest: A Discussion with University Teachers on the Frontlines," organised by The Daily Star. This was the second storytelling session in the weeklong programme "36 Days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts," held at The Daily Star Centre in capital.

Speaking on student politics, Dhaka University Prof Md Tanzimuddin Khan said public university students were often forced to join politics by party leaders, and it would be wrong to judge them solely based on their political affiliation.

"If students do not engage in politics, who will? This change we brought about was the result of a kind of political activism. While we can debate its quality, politics remains fundamental."

Prof Tanzimuddin Khan, also a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), said universities established under the previous regime were in dire condition.

"Some universities exist only on paper. In the name of higher education, the previous authorities have deceived students. Not speaking out about such crimes is also a crime.

"If the state system is not in order and is overrun by mafias, the quality of education deteriorates, and ultimately the sector suffers."

"So, without bringing change to the state system, it will not be possible to bring any change to the education sector."

DU Prof Kamrul Hassan compared teachers and journalists to the "white blood cells" of society, but lamented their diminished role over time.

"We should remember that we cannot go back to the state we fought against. We must commit ourselves and be informed about our responsibility..

Prof Kamrul also said it was the responsibility of teachers to prepare the next generation for the future and the same applied to journalists, who must carry out their roles as watchdogs of society.

"We failed to build universities as true institutions of higher learning. We have allowed discrimination to persist among students and teachers. Students are still afraid to ask questions, keeping universities at a school-like level."

Meanwhile, Prof Mirza Taslima Sultana of Jahangirnagar University called for greater autonomy for universities, asserting that each institution should have the freedom to set its priorities.

"Students must be empowered to voice their demands. To this end, student unions are required, not only at the central level but in every department. And this practice must begin in schools and colleges."

She also urged citizens to question the continued existence of discrimination, even after successful anti-discrimination movements.

Echoing the call for university autonomy, Musharrat Sharmee Hossain, a faculty member at North South University, said, "We must consider the unique characters of each university and conduct its academic and administrative activities accordingly."

"Without autonomy, the UGC exerts too much control, deciding everything from the timing of classes to whether they should be online or offline."

Shahnawaz Khan Chandan, a teacher at Jagannath University, said, "If we can ensure quality education at the grassroots, then we can provide quality education to the masses."

While moderating the event, Nazia Manzoor, editor of Daily Star Books and Literature, said, "We need to question the structural flaws in society from the root level. If we can't raise questions now, the future of this country will be bleak, to avoid which we took part in the July-August uprising."

Participants also discussed the prevalence of a culture of intolerance and recommended that family guidance and education, beginning at the primary level, are crucial for promoting mutual understanding and respect.​

 

[Saif]

Powerful lobbies, elites and corporate interests thwart tax reforms

According to the white paper on the state of the economy

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Powerful lobbies, elites and corporate interests thwart tax reforms
According to the white paper on the state of the economy

A complex political economy that sees powerful lobbies, political elites and corporate interests oppose changes to the status quo has limited the mobilisation of domestic resources by slowing the pace of planned reforms, according to the white paper on the state of the economy.

Although multiple documents have outlined various tax reforms and emphasised the need for the digitalisation of government services, these reforms have never been fully implemented.

Among the most pressing issues has been low tax collection, which the paper said was driven by weak governance, widespread corruption, and a lack of trust in how tax revenue is used.

According to the paper, it is worth noting that the 7th Five Year Plan had set a target of raising the revenue-GDP ratio from 10.9 percent to 16 percent by the end of the plan period.

However, the paper added it is abundantly evident that "corruption, especially in tax administration, leads to widespread tax evasion and poor compliance".

"The informal and discretionary tax system benefits these groups, making reform difficult," it said, adding that the so-called push for digitalisation has stalled for the same reasons.

It stated that the 1991 VAT reform's success stands in contrast to subsequent failures, emphasising the necessity of substantial political backing, technical planning, and stakeholder ownership in order to accomplish significant tax reforms.

The half-hearted automation of the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) tax collection system is a major barrier to effective revenue generation, deepening inefficiencies and fostering a climate of non-compliance, the white paper pointed out.

Although the NBR has implemented certain automated tax filing and payment systems, these initiatives are dispersed and not entirely integrated with other pertinent and vital organisations, including the Ministry of Finance, the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, the Bangladesh Bank, and others, the paper alleged.

Because of this fragmented strategy, the NBR is unable to obtain up-to-date information on individuals and companies, which makes it more difficult to effectively track revenue, monitor corporate operations and stop tax evasion.

If the NBR does not have a comprehensive picture of a taxpayer's financial transactions across several industries, it is exposed to fraud, false declarations, and underreporting, the paper added.

Additionally, weak local governance and limited fiscal decentralisation hinder public service delivery, discouraging citizens from paying taxes, it said.

While the 1991 VAT reform succeeded, subsequent attempts, such as customs duties reform and VAT expansions, faced opposition and were poorly implemented, it added.

According to the paper, efforts like the 2011 Tax Modernisation Plan and 2012 VAT Law failed to modernise the tax system, which is outdated and ineffective in generating sufficient revenue.

The paper also pointed out that personal income tax yields, which account for only 1 percent of the GDP, are still low although per capita income is rising. It attributed this to poor compliance, a disproportionate number of exemptions, and ineffective administration in the personal income tax system.

It also said tax evasion is common, especially among high earners, driven by corruption, political connections and informal deals with tax collectors.

Difficult filing requirements, such as being asked to provide wealth statements, further discourage compliance.

The paper estimated that tax evasion is widespread, aided by political connections and informal settlements with tax officials.

As for corporate taxation, the white paper said the system is complex, with varying rates across sectors, and high rates in sectors such as tobacco and telecommunications, discouraging investment.

The problems at the NBR begin at the top, with efficient administration and governance of the revenue authority being seriously hampered by the current procedure to choose the chairman, the white paper committee said.

The NBR Order 1973, which stipulated that the NBR chairman would be chosen from one of the NBR members, was the reference point.

However, an ordinance was passed in 1979 that allowed the NBR chairman to be selected from the administration cadre.

These appointments created problems as such individuals could not properly grasp nor adequately address the complexities of the NBR's operations.

Additionally, the tenure of the NBR chairman is structured in such a way that it encourages short-term objectives over long-term, sustainable reforms, the white paper added.

"For tax reform to succeed, it's not just about policy; it is also about overcoming political and bureaucratic resistance and addressing corruption," it said.

Bangladesh's tax collection woes reflect a deeper issue: reforming the system means dismantling decades of political influence and a culture of favouritism.

"The way forward to greater domestic resource mobilisation lies in better governance and stronger institutions," the paper added.​

 

[Saif]

Continue reforms to retain trade after LDC graduation

The reform initiatives taken by the interim government should be continued as these reforms may pave the way towards a more modern, equal and inclusive Bangladesh, said a top official of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

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Continue reforms to retain trade after LDC graduation
Says ILO assistant director-general in an interview with The Daily Star

Manuela Tomei

The reform initiatives taken by the interim government should be continued as these reforms may pave the way towards a more modern, equal and inclusive Bangladesh, said a top official of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

In an interview with The Daily Star in Dhaka, Manuela Tomei, assistant director-general for Governance, Rights and Dialogue at the ILO, said adapting to changes after Bangladesh's graduation from a least developed country (LDC) in 2026 would not be easy for the country as all preferential market treatments would no longer be available.

"That is why the current reforms are so important," she emphasised.

"It is very important that these reforms do not remain on paper but actually pave the way for a journey towards a much more modern, equal, inclusive and high-performing Bangladesh," Tomei said.

Tomei, who came to Dhaka recently to attend meetings on industrial relations, said the ILO will continue to provide the support it has been offering.

She said the support would not be to the government only, rather it would be rendered to social partners with regard to improving the quality of labour laws and the functioning of institutions that are essential to ensure full implementation of those laws.

Another very important part of pre-graduation, which will be absolutely instrumental in ensuring opportunities once Bangladesh graduates from LDC status, is ratifying 10 fundamental ILO conventions, she said.

So far, Bangladesh has ratified eight of them. According to Tomei, Bangladesh should also ratify all the conventions as decided by all states in the 2022 ILO Conference.

Regarding her visit to Dhaka, Tomei said that the interim government in November of this year made an appearance to the governing body of the ILO regarding measures they were about to take in response to a complaint filed against the government of Bangladesh.

The complaint is about Bangladesh's breaching three conventions that the government has ratified -- freedom of association convention, the convention on the right to collective bargaining and the convention on labour inspection to ensure proper respect of labour rights.

She said the ILO received a very encouraging message from the interim government with a clear commitment to act upon the requests made and chart a number of measures with specific timeframes.

"So, my visit here is to express of course the support of the ILO office to the commitments of the interim government as well as the commitment taken by our social partners and the workers and employers organisations to push forward these reforms to deliver on decent work and social justice."

According to her, the purpose of the visit was also to see to what extent, besides the much-needed labour law reforms, the ILO could support ongoing efforts and commitments taken by workers, their organisations and the government to move jointly towards a more effective and transparent social dialogue to maintain and sustain the outcomes of labour law reforms.

Tomei said labour law reforms and implementation are quite important for the post-graduation period because of increasing requirements and expectations in major markets for Bangladesh's exports.

Other countries require compliance with human rights, due diligence and 10 fundamental principles at work, including occupational safety and health, she commented. "This package of rights is regarded as enabling the country to improve the realisation of other labour rights because of freedom of association and collective bargaining."

If you are able to speak with one voice for a large number of businesses or workers, you can reduce transaction costs and negotiate for better wages, Tomei said.

"Change in the law does not guarantee that the law will be implemented or respected, and it is very important to have a tripartite joint commitment to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve balanced outcomes."

"Because we have the interests of workers, the government and employers, we need to find a middle ground," she said.

"So, social dialogue is very important from that viewpoint," said the top ILO official, adding that another critical issue relates to supporting the efforts the interim government has committed to engaging in, which refers to managing grievances to precisely avoid potential major concerns escalating into strikes or riots.

She advocated for having a mechanism in place that is independent and transparent and allows for properly addressing disputes arising from work and employment relationships.

"So, let me start by saying that labour rights are human rights. Because all these, not only the fundamental principle rights at work, even the right to a living wage recognised by the covenants and social and economic rights, all these rights have been articulated also in the human rights declaration," she added.

"Labour rights and human rights are absolutely essential," she said. "Often, there is a perception that respecting these rights would translate into additional costs and therefore increase production costs for employers, resulting in lower competitiveness for enterprises respecting these rights."

But the evidence actually shows that respecting these fundamental principles, rights and conventions, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, does not compromise a country's competitive position, she commented.

"We have substantial empirical evidence demonstrating this."

Undoubtedly, to reduce labour costs, you need to improve productivity. Better working conditions are essential for enhancing productivity, but you also need other interventions such as skills enhancement to compete, Tomei said.

Bangladesh has already done some work in this respect immediately after the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in 2013, and the current government is committed to delivering on this particular piece of a broader set of reforms, she added.

"I think there is no doubt about the political commitment and, as I said, the commitment from social partners, workers and employers are absolutely essential for this to work in practice."

Moving towards a new status will also translate into the elimination of several preferential treatments Bangladesh previously had access to as an LDC country.

However, the various reforms being envisioned -- not only in terms of labour law content but also in modernising and improving the industrial relations system, determining national wage policies including the minimum wage and identifying social protection -- are absolutely essential to act as a reference and facilitate the transition, she added.

"So, I am confident that Bangladesh will be able to be up to the task," she also said.

"As I said, there is growing pressure on investors and buyers to do business with countries that uphold certain rights. This is no longer an option."

"This is why investing in labour law improvement, transparency, and a well-functioning and fair industrial relations system is crucial to diversifying the economy.

"I mean Bangladesh definitely needs to diversify and cannot just rely essentially or mainly on the revenue coming from the ready-made garment industry," she added.​

 

[Saif]

PRC suggests changing metropolitan police commissioner’s power in prohibiting rallies

The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has suggested restricting the authority of police commissioner to prohibit people’s right to hold assembly or procession as majority respondents in a survey have considered such right as vital for flourishing country’s democratic environment. “S

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PRC suggests changing metropolitan police commissioner’s power in prohibiting rallies
BSS
Published :
Dec 08, 2024 23:46
Updated :
Dec 08, 2024 23:46

The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has suggested restricting the authority of police commissioner to prohibit people’s right to hold assembly or procession as majority respondents in a survey have considered such right as vital for flourishing country’s democratic environment.

“Some 71.2 per cent respondents want to change this provision of the police administration to sustain the rights of holding assembly or procession to flourish the country’s democratic environment,” according to a recent public survey conducted by the PRC.

In accordance with the section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976, the Police Commissioner may, by order in writing, prohibit any assembly or procession whenever and for so long as he considers such prohibition to be necessary for the preservation of the public peace or safety: provided that no such prohibition shall remain in force for more than thirty days without the sanction of the Government.

Although there is no provision of taking prior permission for holding assembly or procession in the ordinance, prior police permission is required to this respect.

As many as 24,442 individuals took part in the survey and 17,411 want amendment to the provision while 7031 (28.8 percent) do not want any change to the provision.

Some 51.8 percent respondents have considered taking prior permission for holding rallies from the Metropolitan Police Commissioner as an adversary of the basic rights as Article 37 of the Constitution has guaranteed holding assembly and procession as basic rights.

However, 37.4 respondents have expressed their disagreement while 10.8 percent are doubtful or hesitant about the opinion.

The public survey titled ‘What kind of police do we want (kemon police chai)’ was carried out in the wake of recent criticism in Bangladesh and around the world about the violent role of some police personnel in suppressing the anti-discrimination student movement.

To that end, the interim government formed the 'Police Reform Commission' to reform the police force.

In replying to a question on how the allegations of human rights violation and misusing of power by police should be investigated, 60 percent of 24,442 the people taking part in the survey, recommended forming a complete investigation commission to pursue the matter.

While 20 percent of them have suggested formation of a permanent investigation commission led by a retired justice of the High Court division and 20 percent wanted to investigate into the allegation by the National Human Rights Commission by amending the relevant law of 2009.

The country needs a law-abiding, corruption and political influence free independent police to maintain law and order equally for the people irrespective of their identity, the survey said.

“Some 89.5 percent people opined to stop use police force for political purposes and 77.9 percent want police not to indulge in corruption by misusing power,” it also said.

Apart from these, 74.9 percent opined to bring police under accountability for violations of rights that include enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The survey is now available on the website of the Police Reform Commission (www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd), said a press release of the home ministry.

The Police Reform Commission has received recommendations from 24,442 individuals of different sections following its request to submit their opinions by November 15, 2024.​

 

[Saif]

UN vows support for interim govt’s reform commissions

The UN stands ready to support the interim government's reform commissions, assist in accessing innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen data systems to seize this moment for long-term sustainable development, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis said yesterday

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UN vows support for interim govt’s reform commissions

The UN stands ready to support the interim government's reform commissions, assist in accessing innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen data systems to seize this moment for long-term sustainable development, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis said yesterday.

"Our collective efforts will focus on creating a sustainable economic transformation, inclusive, essential services, bolstering climate resilience, enhanced governance framework, and driving gender equality across all sectors," she said.

She made the comment at a joint steering committee convened by the government of Bangladesh and the UN Country Team today to review progress on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) and discuss priorities for 2025.

The meeting also addressed critical issues regarding implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

"To successfully graduate from LDC status, we must embrace a new era of collaboration focused on advancements in science, technology, and artificial intelligence in Bangladesh," said Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the Economic Relations Division.

The UN acknowledged the significant changes in Bangladesh in recent months and reaffirmed its support for the interim government's evolving priorities, particularly in reform commissions focused on issues such as elections, policing, anti-corruption, and human rights, said UN Resident Coordinator's Office at a statement.

To address the SDG priorities in the context of the broader development agenda, participation was expanded to include several senior government officials.

Co-chaired by Gwyn Lewis, the meeting was attended by representatives from twenty-eight line ministries, eighteen UN agencies, JSC members, and senior government officials, including the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), the Planning Secretary, and the Member of the General Economics Division (GED).

The Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) outlines UN support to Bangladesh in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 8th Five-Year Plan across five strategic priorities.

In 2024, the JSC reviewed progress across key areas. The UN has supported Bangladesh's economic transformation through various initiatives.

The UN also mobilized significant aid in response to Cyclone Remal and widespread flooding, notably deploying early warning systems that helped millions prepare.

Collaboration with national commissions continued critical reforms in areas like policing, elections, and anti-corruption, in tandem with support for the government in strengthening legal protections for women and promoting gender equality.

Looking ahead to 2025, the JSC identified key policy support and capacity-building interventions to accelerate SDG progress, emphasising integrated policy, financing, and programming at scale, focusing on Leaving No One Behind.

The meeting also identified several key policies and interventions to support Bangladesh's development in its new political context.​

 

[Saif]

Japan for reforms to combat corruption

Japan is eager to see reforms that eliminate corruption and improve governance, which are key factors for Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh, said Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori.

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Japan for reforms to combat corruption
Envoy says

Iwama Kiminori

Japan is eager to see reforms that eliminate corruption and improve governance, which are key factors for Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh, said Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori.

"The interim government's top priority is eliminating corruption and reducing bureaucratic redundancy. This is a key element for Japanese companies to invest here," he told The Daily Star in a recent interview.

Kiminori is leaving Dhaka after a two-year tenure and will assume a new post as ambassador to a European country.

He informed that Japan has been closely observing the condition of law and order, peace and stability in Bangladesh since the political changeover in August.

"I believe the internal security situation is stabilising. While there have been some incidents, I believe the interim government will tackle the issue in a positive way," Kiminori said, stressing on improvement of law and order.

Over the past 50 years, Japan has been Bangladesh's largest bilateral donor, providing about $27 billion since 1972. Bangladesh exports products worth more than $1 billion to Japan annually while imports amounted to about $2 billion in 2022-23.

The island nation is also supporting several major development projects in Bangladesh, including the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port. It is also providing technical and financial assistance for the Dhaka Metro Rail and the Araihazar Special Economic Zone in Narayanganj.

More than 350 Japanese companies operate in Bangladesh, and many more are eager to do so. The two countries are working to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement for bilateral trade after Bangladesh graduates from the least developed country club in 2026.

Kiminori said that a more favourable investment climate could attract many more Japanese companies.

"Bureaucracy, uncertainty, complicated procedures and corruption -- these are the issues for our companies. We are eager to see reforms by the interim government in these areas," he added.

Asked if the political transition in Bangladesh would impact Japan-Bangladesh relations, he replied: "Our stance is clear. We have consistently extended support, regardless of the government in power. We will continue to do so."

"We will see what is needed for the people of Bangladesh and development, like rural development and environment. We have been doing this, and we will continue to be a friend of Bangladesh," he said.

Regarding the progress of the deep-sea port project in Matarbari, Kiminori said that the power plant has already been established and the first phase of dredging is complete. Japan is planning to extend the project to a second phase, for which the government has already agreed.

Asked if Japanese-funded projects are facing any difficulties due to the political changeover, he said the third terminal of Dhaka airport, the metro rail and Matarbari projects are ongoing. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line 6 is being utilised quite well and Japan is currently discussing MRT Lines 1 and 6 with Bangladesh.

"The interim government has shown positive interest in continuing other lines. While there may be some challenges, I see positive signs for the continuation of the existing MRT project. Sooner or later, we will need to complete them," he said.

"In that sense, we are ready to continue existing projects. For new projects, we need to discuss with the interim government," Kiminori added.

Japan was discussing an industrial value chain connecting Chattogram, Northeast India, Nepal and Bhutan.

When asked about this, Kiminori said: "We will continue the discussions. We have to identify the priorities of the new government. If they still consider it a priority, we will proceed accordingly.

"We would like to explore the possibility of connectivity in all directions, not just India and Bangladesh, but also Nepal and Bhutan. This is a key element to your development of the deep-sea port."​

 

[Saif]

WB pledges support for Bangladesh's key reform initiatives

World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh Abdoulaye Seck on Monday reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting key reform initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh's interim government. Seck said this when he made a farewell call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest H

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WB pledges support for Bangladesh's key reform initiatives
UNB
Published :
Dec 23, 2024 19:53
Updated :
Dec 23, 2024 19:53

World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh Abdoulaye Seck on Monday reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting key reform initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh's interim government.

Seck said this when he made a farewell call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The Chief Adviser thanked Seck, who is retiring in January, for support during his tenure at World Bank-supported projects in critical sectors like infrastructure, climate resilience, service process digitalisation, education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.

Seck told the Chief Adviser that the World Bank approved nearly $1.2 billion in three financings on December 19 to help Bangladesh build climate resilience and environmental sustainability while improving health, nutrition and water and sanitation services in Chattogram city.

On Sunday, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the World Bank signed two financings totalling $900 million.

One of the projects will develop secondary cities by constructing climate-resilient and gender-responsive infrastructure along the economic corridor from Cox's Bazar in the south to Panchagarh in the north.

The other financing, a $500 million development policy credit to support green growth, will be disbursed to the national treasury by this month.

The World Bank's development portfolio stands at about $ 45 billion since 1972, which has made a significant contribution to the development trajectory of Bangladesh, particularly in reducing poverty, ensuring sustained economic growth, and improving education, health, and disaster management.

The Chief Adviser wished Seck and his family good health on his retirement.

Special Envoy to Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, senior secretary for SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed and ERD secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky were among others present on the occasion.​