The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide Bangladesh with $2.996 billion in loans and grants for three projects, equivalent to approximately BDT 36,290 crore.
On Monday (September 29), Secretary of the Economic Relations Division Md. Shahriar Qader Siddique and ADB Country Director Ho Yun Jong signed the related agreements at the NEC conference room.
Khulna Water Supply Project: ADB will provide a $150 million loan along with a $4 million grant to improve potable water supply in Khulna city. The project aims to expand water services for underprivileged residents and ensure a sustainable supply through pipelines that address groundwater salinity, particularly during dry seasons.
Ho Yun Jong said, “This climate-resilient and sustainable project will transform Khulna’s water infrastructure, providing reliable and uninterrupted water supply to 17.8 million people while improving existing facilities. Phase two of the Khulna Water Supply Project is designed to meet demand until 2050 and expand pipeline services to disadvantaged communities.”
Key project components include smart water management systems, monitoring and control, and data acquisition system expansion.
Northwest Bangladesh Electricity Distribution Project: ADB will provide $91 million to improve the quality, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electricity distribution networks in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. The project will integrate advanced smart technologies to enable digital transformation and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Ho Yun Jong added, “The project will benefit the local population, strengthen disaster preparedness through solar backup systems for critical facilities, and create electricity-based livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly women and people living in remote riverine areas.”
Rohingya and Local Community Support: Under a new agreement, ADB will provide $58.6 million in grants to support both the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and local host communities. Ho Yun Jong said, “We are pleased to assist Bangladesh in enhancing the stability and livelihood opportunities for displaced people and local communities, and to foster social cohesion between camp residents and local populations. This assistance builds upon and complements our previous emergency support programs since 2018.”
