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The government has lined up 29 development projects worth $5.15 billion for financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) over the next two years, with a strong focus on infrastructure, energy security, climate resilience and economic reforms.

The project pipeline, jointly prepared by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the Manila-based lender, envisages the launch of 10 projects in 2026 and another 19 in 2027.

Of the proposed financing package, around $2.45 billion is expected from ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR) and $2.69 billion from its concessional lending window.

An ERD official said the ADB had agreed in principle to finance the projects. The proposed pipeline has already been circulated among the ministries and divisions concerned for endorsement before finalisation.

The government plans to seek $2.44 billion for 10 projects next year, including $950 million in OCR financing and $1.49 billion in concessional loans.

The largest proposal is the second phase of the Strengthening Economic Management and Governance Programme under the Finance Division, which seeks $750 million, including $450 million from OCR resources.

Among major infrastructure projects, the Roads and Highways Department has proposed the second tranche of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Investment Project with a financing requirement of $300 million.

The government also plans to seek $300 million for the NextGen Secondary Education Programme and $250 million for the Second Strengthening Social Resilience Programme.

Urban development projects feature prominently in the 2026 pipeline. The Local Government Division has proposed the Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project, estimated at $115.8 million, and the Cluster Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project worth $150 million.

Other proposals include projects on sustainable energy development in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, affordable housing finance and commercialisation of high-value crops.

The project list expands in 2027, with 19 projects seeking $2.71 billion in ADB financing. Of the amount, $1.5 billion is expected from OCR resources and $1.2 billion from concessional loans.

Transport and logistics projects account for a sizeable portion of the proposed financing. The government plans to seek $300 million for the SASEC Dhirasram Inland Container Depot Project and another $200 million for procuring railway rolling stock.

A further $150 million has been proposed for the Last-Mile Connectivity and Integration Project to improve rural road links.

In the energy sector, the Power Division has sought $250 million for modernising the national transmission grid and $204 million for improving power distribution in the country’s western region.

Climate adaptation and water management projects also feature prominently. The Ministry of Water Resources has proposed a $150 million Adaptive River System Management Project and another $15 million under the Resilient River and Canal Restoration Facility.

The Local Government Division has included two major water projects in the 2027 pipeline — the Dhaka Sewerage System Development Project, requiring $300 million, and the Coastal Towns Water Supply Improvement Project worth $150 million.

The Finance Division has also proposed several policy-based lending programmes, including a $300 million Sustainable Finance and Capital Market Development Programme and a $200 million initiative aimed at enhancing competitiveness through improved logistics and economic corridor development.

Other projects cover cyber security, universal pension support, agricultural tertiary education, workers’ social protection and digital transformation of the health sector.

Officials said the pipeline reflects the government’s priorities of improving connectivity, strengthening urban services, enhancing energy security and building resilience to climate-related risks.

The proposed projects will now form the basis of discussions with the ADB as both sides work to finalise financing commitments and implementation schedules in the coming months.