Bangladesh urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and regional partners to intensify cooperation in digital transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable financing to navigate an increasingly volatile global environment.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed made the call at the 58th annual meeting of the ADB in Milan on May 5, according to a press release issued by the finance ministry.

He also called for a collective resolve to transform current global challenges into opportunities through bold partnerships.
Ahmed led the Bangladesh delegation alongside Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other officials.

In his address to ADB President Masato Kanda and member states, the adviser highlighted Bangladesh's ongoing reforms under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, aiming to ensure transparency, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

"At this pivotal moment, ADB's role as a trusted development partner is more important than ever—not just in financing, but in supporting systemic reform and long-term resilience," he said.

Ahmed outlined four priority areas for Bangladesh's engagement with the ADB: digital inclusion, climate action, regional integration, and sustainable financing.

He called for concessional support to bridge digital divides, scale up renewable energy, strengthen cross-border trade, and maintain debt sustainability amid global shocks.

Later in the day, the delegation met officials from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The UK has provided around $3.19 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh over the past five decades, largely in the form of grants.

Despite ongoing fiscal constraints, the UK reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh's key priorities, including climate resilience, inclusive growth, and humanitarian aid.

The FCDO expressed interest in deepening collaboration in areas such as green energy, SME development, and digital governance. Bangladesh, in turn, sought UK assistance in green investment, river restoration, sanitation management, cybersecurity, and technical cooperation.