BB Governor, WB team discuss financial sector development

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman on Sunday sought deeper engagement from the World Bank (WB) to support the country's financial sector development and broader economic growth.

The call for expanded cooperation came during a courtesy meeting between a high-level World Bank delegation and the central bank chief at the Bangladesh Bank Headquarters in the city, said a press release.

The delegation included John Zutt, Regional Vice President; Jean Pesme, Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan; Imad Najib Ayed Fakhoury, Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC); Dr Gayle H Martin, Manager, Operations for Bangladesh and Bhutan; Wilfred Tamegon, Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Mehrin A. Mahbub, Senior External Affairs Officer.

Deputy Governors Dr Md Habibur Rahman and Dr Md Kabir Ahmed, alongside other senior officials, represented the central bank during the discussions.

During the meeting, both sides held cordial discussions on the progress of ongoing projects and explored strategic avenues for strengthening future cooperation.

Governor Mostaqur underscored the central bank's steadfast commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of all current collaborative initiatives.

The dialogue also covered the country's overall economic outlook and development prospects.

In this context, the Governor urged the World Bank to further scale up its involvement in Bangladesh's development journey, emphasizing the importance of robust support for financial sector stability and long-term economic resilience.

In response, the World Bank delegation expressed a keen interest in maintaining a close and constructive partnership with Bangladesh, reaffirming the organization's role as a key partner in the nation's economic progress.

The meeting concluded with Governor Mostaqur expressing his appreciation to the visiting delegation for the World Bank's continued support and cooperation in the development of Bangladesh's financial landscape.