“Given the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we are enhancing our partnership with Bangladesh by adjusting program priorities to help the country overcome immediate challenges related to health and social protection, accelerate economic recovery, and maintain inclusive growth,” ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Manmohan Parkash said in a statement on Thursday. “More support will be provided to improve health, food security, social protection, skills development, rural development, water and sanitation, and finance sector, among others. According to the plan, $5,938 million is for firm projects, while another $5,170 million is for standby projects with another $35.6 million for technical assistance programmes during 2021-2023. Regardless of firm or standby status, projects will be selected and processed based on strong government demand, sector absorptive capacity, and readiness, among other criteria. Projects in the COBP will also help the country attain several Sustainable Development Goals, according to the Manila-based lender.

Source: bd News24 August 27, 2020 09:00 UTC