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The World Bank has expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s inclusive growth efforts and praised the economic reform initiatives of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Johannes Zutt, newly appointed World Bank Vice President for South Asia, conveyed the Bank’s appreciation during a meeting with Professor Yunus at the State Guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Monday. He was accompanied by Jean Pesme, the new Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

During the meeting, Zutt reflected on his past tenure as the World Bank’s Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal (2013–2015), sharing his long-standing connection with the country.

“Congratulations to you and your fantastic team for doing a great job,” Zutt said, commending the interim government’s efforts in navigating complex challenges, particularly in the financial sector.

“We are fully committed to continuing our journey with Bangladesh and share the vision of its people,” he added.

Zutt also paid tribute to the students who lost their lives in last year’s July Uprising, calling it “a very moving moment for everyone connected with Bangladesh.”

Chief Adviser Professor Yunus thanked the World Bank delegation for their continued support and reflected on the difficult circumstances the interim administration inherited.

“When we took office, it felt like walking into a disaster zone,” he said. “We had no prior experience, but with the unwavering support of our development partners, we gained the confidence to move forward.”

Yunus highlighted the vital role played by young people in the July Uprising, especially women and girls, and emphasized the government’s commitment to building a future that matches their ambition.

“We are observing July Women’s Day today in their honour. Their sacrifice must not be forgotten,” he noted. “Young people are central to our national progress. We must nurture their potential.”

He urged the World Bank not to view Bangladesh solely within geographical boundaries but rather as an economic engine for South Asia.

“If Bangladesh prospers, the whole region prospers. We need to improve international trade and transport infrastructure—we have access to the ocean, which is a critical asset for our economy,” he said.

Professor Yunus also encouraged global investors to see Bangladesh as a hub for production, noting the country’s demographic advantage in an aging global labor landscape.

World Bank VP Zutt praised Yunus’s longstanding efforts to empower women, referencing the Bank’s past support for Bangladesh’s pioneering girls’ education stipend program—later replicated in several countries.

“We will continue supporting initiatives that create opportunities for youth,” Zutt affirmed, adding that the Bank provided over $3 billion in funding to Bangladesh last fiscal year and will maintain similar levels of support over the next three years.

Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy for International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, was also present and provided updates on recent infrastructure and investment developments, including improvements in container operations at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port under new management.

Siddiqi also highlighted a notable rise in net foreign direct investment (FDI) in the January–March 2025 quarter, driven by strong equity inflows and intra-company loans.