NN Online:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on the World Bank to view Bangladesh through the lens of progress and potential rather than as a mere geographic entity, emphasizing that the country’s economy holds far greater promise than its borders suggest.
“Bangladesh’s growth fuels the prosperity of South Asia. Isolation hinders progress. We need to enhance regional trade, transport, and capitalize on our maritime advantages,” said Prof Yunus during a meeting with newly appointed World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Johannes Zutt, and Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Jean Pesme, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday evening.
Zutt, who previously served as the World Bank’s Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal (2013–2015), expressed deep admiration for Bangladesh’s development trajectory. “Kudos to you and your fantastic team. You’ve addressed some very tough issues in the financial sector. We’re fully committed to continuing this journey with Bangladesh,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the students who lost their lives in last year’s July Uprising, calling the moment “deeply moving for anyone connected to Bangladesh.”
Prof Yunus, in return, acknowledged the support of development partners. “When we took office, it felt like walking into a disaster zone. But the international community stood by us, and that gave us the confidence to move forward,” he said.
Highlighting the youth-led July Uprising, Yunus emphasized the critical role of women and girls in the movement, noting that Bangladesh observed July Women’s Day on Tuesday in their honor. “What our youth did was historic. Their dreams must not be wasted. Young people are the key to our future, and we must align with their ambition.”
He invited global investors to relocate their industries to Bangladesh, where a large, youthful workforce is ready. “Unlike many aging nations, we have a demographic advantage. We’re ready to provide everything needed to become a major production hub,” he added.
Zutt lauded Yunus’s initiatives to empower women. “The World Bank supported Bangladesh in launching a girls’ education stipend program that became a model for others. We’ll keep investing in opportunities for youth,” he said, adding that the Bank provided over $3 billion in support last fiscal year and plans to maintain that level over the next three years.
Also present, Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy for International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, briefed the delegation on developments at the Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). He noted improved cargo handling and operational efficiency, alongside a sharp rise in net FDI during the first quarter of 2025—driven by intra-company loans and robust equity investments.
