Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has expressed hope that the World Bank will further strengthen its support for Bangladesh’s sustainable development and improving the quality of life of its people.

He made the remarks during an exchange of views with Jean Pesme, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, at the minister’s office in the Secretariat on Wednesday (September 2).

The meeting discussed the World Bank’s assistance to various ongoing development projects in Bangladesh, along with water supply and sanitation, rural development, climate change adaptation, and different issues related to the local government sector.

The LGRD minister said coordinated efforts by the government and development partners are essential to accelerate and sustain the country’s development initiatives. He noted that World Bank support could play an important role in strengthening the capacity of the local government sector and ensuring quality civic services reach people at their doorstep.

He said the government is implementing various initiatives in critical areas such as water supply, sanitation, rural development, and addressing the impacts of climate change. Continued support from development partners is necessary to make these initiatives more effective and sustainable, he added.

Dr. Abdul Moin Khan expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s longstanding support for Bangladesh’s development journey and hoped that the institution would continue supporting the country’s key development programmes in the future.

During the meeting, emphasis was also placed on further strengthening the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and the World Bank.

Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Local Government and the World Bank, was present at the meeting.