Md. Shahidul Haque, Bangkok. Thailand

Bangladesh has sought World Bank support to address the stress and additional cost burden in the energy sector due to global instability. Discussions are underway with the World Bank in this regard. Work is underway on a framework agreement between the two parties, said Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud.

He made these remarks to reporters at the start of his participation in the 2026 Annual General Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Thailand today, Monday (October 12).

The Bangladesh Finance Minister said that in the current situation, Bangladesh is having to bear additional expenses in the energy sector. Some kind of financial security is needed to cope with this pressure. The World Bank has shown a positive attitude towards cooperation in this regard. He expressed hope that the organization will continue to stand by Bangladesh in the future.

Honorable Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that Bangladesh's cooperation with the World Bank is not limited to existing funds. Cooperation is also needed to address the impact of global instability and the ongoing crisis in the energy sector. These issues have been discussed with the World Bank.

He said that discussions and procedural work on a structural agreement with the World Bank are underway. Discussions are also being held on how to make cooperation more effective under the partnership between the two parties.

The Finance Minister further said that the alignment of the ongoing initiatives with the World Bank with the goals and objectives of the government's announced election manifesto is important. In this regard, there is an expectation of moving forward through mutual coordination.

Regarding the progress of the discussions with the World Bank, he said that the matter is still under process. Discussions on this are ongoing. Overall, Bangladesh is moving in the right direction.