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Published : 08 May 2025, 08:03 PM
Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed has proposed to “deepen” the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) involvement in upgrading Bangladesh’s tax administration.
A media statement from the finance ministry said he said this during a bilateral meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda in Milan, Italy, on Thursday.
The meeting was a part of the ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting, it added.
Salehuddin outlined future directions and proposed to enhance ADB’s involvement in some sectors, including integrated river management, modernisation of tax administration, and investment in future-proof education and skills.
He expressed gratitude to ADB for its significant contributions in the areas of energy, education, health, and climate resilience, the statement said.
“ADB’s total portfolio in Bangladesh currently stands at $32.5 billion. This includes $2.94 billion for fiscal year 2023-24, which reflects the strong cooperation between the two sides,” he said.
He called for ADB’s support for Bangladesh’s bold reform agenda, emphasising governance, transparency, and improving the quality of public services.
He highlighted ADB’s urgent support for sustainable urban development in smart, climate-resilient cities, better municipal services, and regional infrastructure—and also sought its support for expanding renewable energy and regional energy trade.
“ADB’s increased concessional support is not only important to sustain Bangladesh’s development momentum, but is also a strategic investment for regional stability, effective climate risk management, and inclusive growth,” the advisor added.
The ADB president commended Bangladesh’s economic progress and resilience, the statement said.
He said, “ADB has given special importance to Bangladesh from the start.”
Kanda promised to consider the issues raised by Bangladesh at this year’s annual meeting.
