United News of Bangladesh

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has warned people about fraudulent loan schemes being circulated through fake websites, counterfeit Facebook pages, and forged identity documents using the name and credentials of the organization and its officials. It does not provide direct loans, grants, funds, or any other form of financial assistance to individuals, ADB said in a press release issued on Monday. It also clarified that it never asks individuals to share personal financial information in exchange for support or requests money transfers through mobile banking or any other payment channel. ADB said fraudsters have recently been creating fake websites, unauthorised social media pages, and forged documents to impersonate the bank and its officials in order to deceive people and extort money. It has no association with or involvement in such activities, it said. Reaffirming its role as a long-standing development partner of Bangladesh, ADB said it works only with the Government of Bangladesh and private sector organizations through transparent and accountable procedures to implement development projects. ADB advised people to consider any offer of direct loans or financial assistance from individuals claiming to represent ADB as fraudulent and to remain cautious of such scams.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has warned people in Bangladesh against fraudulent schemes that are using the bank’s name and logo to offer fake loans in exchange for fees. ADB said it does not provide loans, funds or financial assistance directly to individuals. It also never asks people to share personal financial information or make payments through mobile financial services or any other channel in return for financial assistance. The warning comes following reports that fraudsters have created fake websites, Facebook pages, social media accounts and other deceptive materials impersonating ADB and its officials. According to the Manila-based multilateral lender, the scammers are using ADB’s name and logo to mislead people and solicit money, although the bank has no connection with such activities. ADB urged members of the public to remain vigilant and ignore any offers claiming to provide ADB loans or direct financial assistance. It also advised anyone approached by individuals or groups making such claims to report the matter to the appropriate authorities. The bank reiterated that it works with the Government of Bangladesh and private sector organisations to finance development projects through established and transparent business processes. “Any person claiming to represent ADB and offering loans or financial assistance directly to individuals is acting fraudulently,” the bank said. ADB has advised people seeking more information about scams involving its name, officials or offices to consult its official scam advisories.

Japan will host the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 60th Annual Meeting in Aichi-Nagoya from May 2 to 5, 2027. The event will coincide with ADB’s 60th anniversary, marking six decades of partnership since the bank’s establishment. “It is fitting to mark six decades of partnership and transformation in Japan, a founding member and one of our largest shareholders,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “The 60th Annual Meeting will be more than a celebration. It will be a moment to look to the future. I have high expectations for great success at this milestone event.” The Future Host Country Event, which showcased the tradition, culture, and high technology of Aichi-Nagoya, was held at ADB’s Annual Meeting in Samarkand. It was joined by Japan's Deputy Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs Shuichi Hosoda, Mayor of Nagoya City Ichiro Hirosawa, and Vice Governor of Aichi Prefecture Shinichiro Furumoto. During the Samarkand meeting, Minister of Finance of Japan Satsuki Katayama assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Governors for the upcoming year. Themed Forging Partnerships, Driving Transformation, the Aichi-Nagoya meeting will provide a platform to reflect on Asia and the Pacific’s remarkable progress since ADB was established in Manila in December 1966, and to discuss the future of the region. The Annual Meeting is ADB’s premier gathering, providing an opportunity for Governors from ADB’s members to discuss the complex development challenges facing Asia and the Pacific while offering guidance on the bank’s administrative, financial, and operational directions. Thousands of participants, including finance ministers, central bank governors, private sector leaders, international organizations, civil society, and media regularly join the meeting. Japan’s longstanding commitment to ADB is reflected in its history of hosting the Annual Meeting every decade since the inaugural gathering in Tokyo in 1966, with the most recent one being in Yokohama in 2017. Beyond hosting, Japan remains a cornerstone of ADB’s operational capacity, serving as one of the bank’s largest shareholders. Furthermore, Japan has contributed and committed significant resources to ADB’s trust funds. This includes the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, the bank’s largest single-donor trust fund, which drives critical poverty reduction and social development activities across the region. Founded in 1966, ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $115.8 million loan to enhance environmentally sustainable and resilient urban services in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) in Bangladesh. The Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project will upgrade drinking water supply, modernise drainage systems, and expand green public spaces, according to a release from the Bank. It will also strengthen institutional capacity in NCC and among local communities. The project is expected to benefit at least 400,000 residents, support the government’s efforts to ease congestion in Dhaka, and reinforce governance and service delivery in one of Bangladesh’s major urban growth centers. The ADB release said that it project will significantly improve water supply efficiency and reliability by reducing nonrevenue water to below 20% through the replacement and expansion of 230 kilometers of pipeline network, installation of metered household connections, and adoption of district metered area systems. The project will also introduce digital technologies, including supervisory control and data acquisition and strengthen online billing and revenue collection systems. NCC’s water supply capacity is expected to increase from 113 million liters per day to 162 million liters per day through the installation of new tube wells, rehabilitation of the existing water treatment plant, and upgrades to existing wells. To improve resilience to extreme weather events, reduce flooding, and enhance groundwater recharge, the project will raise the share of surface water across NCC to 51% and develop 22 kilometers of drainage infrastructure using nature-based solutions. The project will also construct inclusive green parks and rehabilitate a playground to improve livability and reduce urban heat. NCC will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of these facilities. ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Hoe Yun Jeong said that Narayanganj is central to Bangladesh’s urban transformation. As urbanisation accelerates and environmental risks intensify, strengthening urban services is both a development and economic imperative. “Investments in reliable water supply, resilient drainage, and inclusive green spaces—combined with stronger institutions—will enhance productivity, support economic growth, advance environmental sustainability, and contribute to long-term human capital development,” he said.  

Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 4.0% in fiscal year 2025-26 and 4.7% in FY27, up from 3.5% in FY25, according to the latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2026 of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), released on Friday. The growth outlook reflects a recovery in consumption and investment as political uncertainty eases after the general election. Temporary supply chain disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East affected activity in the last quarter, but their impact is expected to fade, says the report. ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong said Bangladesh is facing a difficult economic environment, shaped by global uncertainties, domestic structural constraints, and pressures on the external and financial sectors. “The new government’s reform agenda offers a timely opportunity to strengthen macroeconomic stability, restore private sector confidence, and support recovery,” he said. “With prudent policies and sustained reforms, the economy is well-positioned to reinforce resilience and return to a more inclusive growth path.” Inflation is projected to remain elevated at 9.0% in FY26, despite some easing, reflecting persistently high global energy prices and ongoing supply disruptions. It is expected to moderate to 8.5% in FY27 as external shocks subside and domestic supply conditions improve. The current account is anticipated to record a modest deficit of 0.5% of GDP in FY26, widening slightly to 0.6% in FY27, driven by stronger import demand and a broader trade deficit, according to the ADO. Remittance inflows are expected to remain resilient in the near term, notwithstanding ongoing tensions in the Middle East, it says. The ADO April 2026 projects moderate growth in consumption and investment, supported by strong remittance inflows and election-related public spending, alongside the government’s implementation of its pledges to promote investment and improve the ease of doing business. On the supply side, services are expected to rebound, driven by improved household purchasing power, increased social protection spending, and ongoing financial sector reforms. Agricultural output is projected to normalise, assuming favourable weather conditions and continued policy support. Industrial activity is also expected to strengthen, supported by export growth, easing supply constraints, and the government’s focus on infrastructure development and energy security. Downside risks to the outlook remain substantial, particularly if the conflict prolongs. Disruptions to global energy markets, shipping routes, and supply chains could drive sustained increases in oil and gas prices, intensifying domestic inflationary pressures and complicating ongoing disinflation efforts, thereby constraining macroeconomic policy flexibility. Higher energy prices could also widen the fiscal deficit, especially if energy-related subsidies increase or the pass through to consumers is delayed. External sector pressures may rise as exports and remittances soften amid slower economic activity in key Persian Gulf economies, while elevated import costs and freight rates would further strain the current account amid already tight external liquidity. Overall, the balance of risks is firmly tilted to the downside, underscoring Bangladesh’s vulnerability to external shocks in a context of still-fragile macroeconomic conditions. Climate related shocks remain an additional, persistent risk, the ADO stated.

The Environment Ministry has recently launched the dissemination of the 'National Framework and Action Plan for Locally Led Adaptation (LLA)’ one of the first frameworks of its kind globally. The initiative is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the British High Commission, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The dissemination marks a major milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to translate its climate commitments into actionable, locally driven adaptation measures, said UNDP. Speaking as the chief guest, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the framework’s pivotal role. “This locally led adaptation framework is about connecting policy with implementation, ensuring that plans are not just documents but are translated into action by ministries and local government institutions delivering adaptation on the ground," she said. Hoe Yun Jeong, Country Director, ADB, stated, “LLA Framework marks a major milestone in integrating adaptation into national systems while ensuring that solutions remain grounded in local needs and community leadership.” He added that ADB will help enhance access to climate finance by strengthening national and local systems to channel climate financing efficiently, particularly to vulnerable households, smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, and the urban poor. Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, reaffirmed UNDP’s support. “Drawing from global experience and ensuring alignment with national systems, UNDP is proud to have contributed technically to the formulation of this framework in close partnership with MOEFCC, ADB and the World Bank.”   He added that the framework will guide the scaling of locally led adaptation under LoGIC Phase II nationwide. Bangladesh calls for new, accessible climate finance to address damages Arghya Sinha Roy, Director for Climate Change at ADB, delivered the keynote presentation. Nathaniel Smith, Team Leader for Climate and Environment at FCDO, and Kirtan Chandra Sahoo, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, also spoke at the event. Approved in May 2025, the LLA Framework guides community-driven climate action by empowering local governments within national systems. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss how it will strengthen community-centred climate resilience.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $30 million sustainability-linked loan facility agreement with Envoy Textiles Limited, marking ADB’s first such loan in Bangladesh. The financing will support the design and construction of a new automated, energy-efficient spinning unit at Envoy’s manufacturing plant in Jamirdia, Mymensingh, boosting the company’s annual yarn production capacity by 4,550 tons. The loan will also finance the installation of 3.5 MWp rooftop solar panels and refinance short-term local working capital loans. Sustainability-linked loans are performance-based debt instruments tied to predefined key performance indicators, assessed against sustainability performance targets. For Envoy, these include rooftop solar generation capacity and greenhouse gas emission reductions. ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Hoe Yun Jeong said that the ready-made garment industry is a key driver of Bangladesh’s economy, accounting for over 80% of the country’s total export earnings, and Envoy is the leading denim fabric manufacturer. ADB projects 4% growth for Bangladesh in FY2025, 5% in FY2026 “ADB is pleased to support Envoy with its first sustainability-linked loan in Bangladesh. This partnership advances environmental sustainability and industrial modernization, setting a new standard for the garment sector,” he said. Envoy Chairman Kutubuddin Ahmed said that This new loan will enable us to expand our production capacity, invest in renewable energy, and further reduce our environmental footprint. Envoy Textiles is the world’s first denim manufacturer with a platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the US Green Building Council. The company produces 54 million yards of denim annually—about 10% of Bangladesh’s total capacity.  

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Bangladesh on Sunday signed a $150 million loan agreement to improve technical and vocational education and training (TVET), aiming to enhance access to decent employment and boost the country’s global market competitiveness. Economic Relations Division (ERD) secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong signed the loan agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB respectively at a ceremony at ERD in Dhaka.  ADB okays $58.6 mln grant, $28.1 mln loan for Rohingyas, host communities The results-based assistance for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Teachers for the Future Program will expand access to modern teacher training—especially in underserved regions outside Dhaka; improve the pedagogical and technical skills of educators in emerging technologies; and strengthen systems for teacher development, management, and reporting. Under the programme, at least 10,000 new and existing TVET teachers will have enhanced their capacities, positively impacting over 250,000 students. The programme will also establish a nationwide system for continuous professional development to ensure the sustained quality and relevance of TVET in Bangladesh. ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong said that aligned with the country’s economic diversification priorities, the programme targets five key technology clusters: mechanical, electronics and electrical, information and communication technology, civil, and food and agriculture. “It supports Bangladesh’s priority agenda of job creation, addresses non-income dimensions of poverty and social exclusion, and enhances access to decent employment and competitiveness in the global market, aligned with the government’s Integrated TVET Development Action Plan (ITDAP),” he said.

In a significant step towards bolstering food security and supporting millions of smallholder farmers, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in partnership with the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) and with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched a major initiative aimed at transforming rice production across Asia and the Pacific. Rice, the staple diet for over half of the region’s population, is also a vital source of income for rural communities.  But, the sector faces serious threats from declining productivity, water scarcity, and its considerable carbon footprint.  Experts have warned that, without swift intervention, these issues could jeopardise food security and rural livelihoods. “Rice is essential to food security in Asia, supplying over a quarter of the region’s calorie intake—and as much as half in Southeast Asia,” said ADB Vice-President for Sectors and Themes, Fatima Yasmin.  “For hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers, rice is not just food—it is their livelihood. That livelihood is increasingly at risk due to climate change and environmental degradation," she said.  The newly launched initiative, anchored by the ADB–CGIAR Clearinghouse Facility and co-financed by the Gates Foundation, will promote the adoption of resilient, high-yield, and low-emission rice farming practices.  It will also support sustainable water use, inclusive value chains, and improved nutrition outcomes, particularly targeting vulnerable communities. ADB has committed to investing up to $1.5 billion from 2025 to 2030 under this programme. This investment forms part of ADB’s broader pledge of $40 billion to transform food systems across the region by 2030, as announced earlier in May. This joint initiative will reinforce CGIAR’s strategic collaboration with ADB and scale up CGIAR’s innovations in rice   with partners like ADB and the Gates Foundation, we aim to drive sustainable and resilient transformation of Asia’s rice sector and positively impact millions of smallholder farmers. Bangladesh has been included among the countries selected for initial project development, alongside Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Founded in 1966, ADB is one of the leading multilateral development banks, comprising 69 member countries, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region.  The bank continues to drive inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and innovative financial solutions.  

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its enduring partnership with Bangladesh, pledging continued support for the country’s reform-oriented development agenda and sustainable growth trajectory, particularly as it prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The assurance came during a high-level bilateral meeting between Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed and ADB President Masato Kanda, held on the sidelines of the 58th Annual Meeting of the ADB, according to a message received here on Thursday. During the discussion, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed expressed Bangladesh’s deep appreciation for ADB’s consistent support over the decades, noting the breadth of collaboration spanning infrastructure, energy, education, health, and climate resilience. He underscored that ADB’s cumulative portfolio in Bangladesh has now reached USD 32.5 billion, with commitments of USD 2.94 billion in the 2023–24 fiscal year alone, a testament to the depth of the development partnership. As Bangladesh advances toward LDC graduation, Dr Ahmed emphasised the importance of adapting development cooperation to the nation’s evolving needs. He described this juncture as a pivotal moment—not only in economic terms but also politically—highlighting the emergence of a historic student-led movement and a reform-mandated government driving transformational change. The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates in the face of US tariffs threat In this context, he called upon ADB to align its assistance with Bangladesh’s ambitious reform priorities, focusing particularly on governance, transparency, and efficient public service delivery. Looking to the future, Dr Ahmed proposed deeper ADB engagement in strategic areas such as integrated river management and the formulation of a Blue Economy Master Plan. He further emphasised the need for investment in digital transformation of the health sector, modernisation of tax administration, and education reforms to build a future-ready workforce. The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates in the face of US tariffs threat He also drew attention to the pressing need for sustainable urban development, calling for ADB’s assistance in building smart, climate-resilient cities, improving municipal services, and supporting regional urban infrastructure. On the energy front, Bangladesh is seeking ADB’s backing to scale up renewable energy generation and enhance regional energy trade. “Enhanced concessional support from ADB is not only vital for sustaining Bangladesh’s development momentum, but also a strategic investment in regional stability, effective climate action, and inclusive growth,” said Dr Ahmed, urging the Bank to recalibrate its concessional financing mechanisms in line with the unique challenges facing economies in transition. In response, ADB President Mr Masato Kanda lauded Bangladesh’s economic resilience and progress, reiterating the Bank’s historical commitment to the country. Weak grid investment slows Asia-Pacific energy transition: ADB He acknowledged the significance of the issues raised by the Bangladesh delegation, assuring that these would receive due consideration. “ADB has always placed special importance on Bangladesh and will continue to support its journey towards social and economic security,” Kanda said.