AIIB Eyes Long-Term Infrastructure Partnership in Bangladesh

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed strong interest in expanding its long-term partnership with Bangladesh by investing in sustainable, technology-driven transport and communication infrastructure projects.

A four-member high-level AIIB delegation, led by Rajat Misra, Director General of the bank's Public Sector Clients Department (Region 1), held a courtesy meeting on Sunday with Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.

During the meeting, Rouf highlighted the success and socio-economic impact of Bangladesh's major infrastructure projects, including the Padma Bridge, Jamuna Bridge, and Dhaka Elevated Expressway, saying the country is advancing toward world-class infrastructure development.

The two sides discussed opportunities for AIIB financing of environmentally sustainable and technology-driven infrastructure projects aligned with Bangladesh's long-term development goals.

Discussions focused on several proposed projects, including traffic congestion mitigation initiatives, modern toll management systems, the Dhaka–Chattogram Elevated Expressway, the Dhaka East–West Elevated Expressway, a subway network, and a second Jamuna Bridge.

Rouf stressed that any future financing should be offered on affordable and sustainable terms consistent with Bangladesh's socio-economic conditions. He also proposed maintaining regular technical-level consultations between the two sides to accelerate the investment process.

The Bridges Division secretary requested AIIB to submit a formal investment proposal outlining financing terms and priority sectors. The proposal will be reviewed before any further steps are taken, subject to government approval.

He reaffirmed the Bangladesh Bridge Authority's commitment to implementing infrastructure projects with transparency and accountability.

AIIB delegation leader Rajat Misra praised Bangladesh's achievements in adopting modern technologies for infrastructure development and described the country as one of South Asia's emerging economic powers.

He said the AIIB is keen to build a long-term partnership with Bangladesh by supporting strategic infrastructure projects that promote sustainable economic growth.