The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, New York

World Bank President Robert Zoellick has assured Bangladesh of continued support to its various development projects.

He appreciated the caretaker government's performance on electoral, governance and economic reforms.

The World Bank boss made the assurance and appreciation when he called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the UN headquarters Tuesday on the sidelines of 62nd session of UNGA. Zoellick inquired about the post-flood rehabilitation being carried out by the government and underscored the Bank's interest in rural credit delivery.

Briefing reporters Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim said the World Bank will focus its assistance on infrastructures, especially roads, ports and bridges including cofinancing of the Padma Bridge project

The Chief Adviser explained the current macro-economic situation and measures being undertaken to accelerate the growth and development as well as alleviate poverty. Possibilities of using micro-credit in agriculture sector were also discussed.

Fakhruddin apprised him of the progress made about the election roadmap to hold the general elections "before the end of December 2008, or if possible, even at an earlier date".

Zoellick said he was looking forward to visiting Bangladesh soon and "learning from Bangladesh experience".

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumdar, and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ismat Jahan and World Bank Alternate Executive Director Dr. Zakir Ahmed Khan were present