Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga discussed ways to expand Bangladesh-World Bank cooperation in development projects.

The Prime Minister held the meeting with the World Bank Group President at the United Nations Headquarters this morning (New York time) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said the discussions covered Bangladesh's economic situation, enhancing World Bank cooperation in various development projects and addressing the country's energy challenges.

"The meeting focused on the partnership and relationship between Bangladesh and the World Bank. In particular, we discussed how we can work within the World Bank's partnership framework for the projects Bangladesh is planning to undertake in the coming days," he said.

The Finance Minister said the World Bank appreciated the social programmes introduced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including the Family Card and Farmers Card and assured its support for the initiatives.

He said the two sides also discussed expanding youth entrepreneurship programmes introduced by Bangladesh and exploring ways to scale them up in partnership with the World Bank through a model involving 50 percent grants and 50 percent concessional loans.

"We will work together for youth entrepreneurship development and creating employment opportunities for young people," he said.

On Bangladesh's internal challenges, including the oil and gas crisis, Amir Khosru said the role of the World Bank in addressing the issues was also discussed and the global lender expressed its willingness to support Bangladesh.

"The projects we have undertaken need to be kept on track. Discussions were held on how the World Bank can work to ensure that these projects are not disrupted due to supply chain issues. I would like to inform you that we have agreed to work together in this regard and move forward," he said.

Responding to a question about the World Bank's views on sustainable projects, the Minister said the bank was closely examining the initiatives, particularly those aimed at generating employment through youth entrepreneurship development.

He said both sides agreed to expand such programmes on a larger scale.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, among others, were present at the meeting.