WB Provides $300M for Bangladesh Clean Air Initiative

This funding will primarily come from an International Development Association (IDA) credit, complemented by a potential grant to support clean cooking initiatives under the National Air Quality Management Plan.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, disclosed this information after a high-level meeting with Martin Raiser, Vice President of the World Bank for South Asia, and Abdoulaye Seck, the World Bank's Country Director for Bangladesh, held at the Ministry of Environment on Sunday.

During the meeting, Rizwana emphasized the need for the World Bank's support in improving waste management and restoring Dhaka’s canals to establish a “blue network.” She also discussed the potential for a Loss and Damage Fund and assistance in implementing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

Rizwana reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, highlighting the necessity of integrated strategies for water resource management and climate change mitigation.

Martin Raiser praised Bangladesh's proactive stance on progressive environmental policies and expressed the World Bank’s readiness to align these initiatives with global best practices.

Abdoulaye Seck stressed the significance of international collaboration and strategic investments in achieving long-term sustainability goals.

The meeting included key officials from both the Ministry and the World Bank, including the Secretary and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

The discussions concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation on environmental governance, climate resilience, and water resource management, striving for a sustainable future for Bangladesh.