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and digital transformation to the ADB’s support for achieving the target of 10,000 megawatts of clean energy by the 2030s.

They also discussed the North-West Dhaka South-East Economic Corridor, involving about $79 billion proposed by the ADB to Bangladesh under a 20-year development plan, as well as a visit by the ADB president to Dhaka and technical assistance for the development of the capital market.

The finance minister said the ADB has a commitment to provide $1.4 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26.

“And the necessity of the fund can be discussed in the coming days and increased if needed,” he said.

Khosru stated that the ADB is “fully aligned” with the current government’s election manifesto, ensuring that all future programmes and projects will be consistent with national priorities.

“This is the biggest thing. I mean, when working with any multilateral body, this issue often arises where they want one thing, and the government wants another. This will not happen in this case,” he said. “Therefore, all programmes, support, and projects will be in accordance with our manifesto in Bangladesh. This is a very important thing.”

Khosru noted that discussions took place regarding Bangladesh’s renewable energy target, stating that the ADB’s interest in this area is very high.

“They will assist, and some countries, like Germany, have also shown interest, and there is a possibility of them joining this project too. Therefore, we are hoping for a large portfolio here in the coming days.”

“Germany is very interested in renewables because of current climate issues. They have many climate-friendly projects in their own country in various ways, among which renewable energy -- the issue of electricity -- is of great interest to them, and we might get major cooperation in this area,” he added.

On the capital market, the finance minister said ADB’s technical support is needed to improve Bangladesh’s market, provide protection to investors, and support listed companies.

“And the deregulation we have been talking about for so long-- serious deregulation is needed. When we talk about taking it from a frontier market to an emerging market, their support will mainly come in this area.”

“The rest of the work has to be done by our government. So, we will move forward in this matter. And digitalisation is a big issue here; we will work with them on that too,” the minister added.

Khosru mentioned the North-West Dhaka South-East Economic Corridor, describing it as a project running from the northern region to Chattogram, integrating growth centres -- such as the potential for light engineering in Bogura or agricultural processing opportunities in other regions -- that are in our minds and also in theirs.

“So, keeping in mind the facilities of each region, we, along with the ADB, have sat together and brought this whole project to a certain point. I hope this will be finalised once we return to Dhaka and the ADB president visits,” he said, expecting the visit by the end of this month.

Responding to a question on the progress of discussions regarding the release of two instalments of the $5.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Khosru said discussions have been ongoing with the Washington-based lender.

“We are an elected government, and we must take decisions very thoughtfully,” he said. “Ending a discussion is very easy, but I cannot take any decision outside of my country’s interest or the interest of our people.”