Bangladesh News

World Bank (WB) is likely to release $ 200 million before the next budget as it deems that the government of Bangladesh is on the “right track” to implement the conditions under the bank’s Development Support Credit (DSC IV).

The indication came during a press briefing by Sadiq Ahmed, WB sector director, poverty reduction and economic management, South Asia, at the bank’s Dhaka office yesterday.

Ahmed said a WB team would have negotiation meetings with the government from April 8 to 10.

“After those meetings, the team will convey the outcomes to the World Bank Board. The board in its May 29 meeting will decide the fate of the disbursement of $ 200 million (under the DSC-IV),” he said.

The WB senior executive hinted that the disbursement would be made before the next budget as the government is on the right track for implementing the conditions.

The WB already disbursed $ 700 million as budgetary support under the DSC.

Ahmed said the WB is ready to extend the DSC if the Bangladesh government wanted. “We got the indication that Bangladesh wants to extend the DSC to undertake more reforms,” he said.

Replying a question, the WB official said there is no link between the increase of fuel oil prices and the DSC-IV disbursement.