The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, New York

World Bank President Robert Zoellick on Tuesday assured Dhaka of their support further for various development projects of Bangladesh.

The assurance came when the WB President called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at UN building on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.

During the meeting, the WB chief expressed his satisfaction over the steps taken by the present caretaker government on electoral, governance and economic reforms.

The World Bank will focus its assistance on, among other things, infrastructural support, especially roads, ports and bridges including co-financing of the major Padma Bridge project

Zoellick enquired about the post-flood rehabilitation being carried out by the present government and underscored the Bank's interest in rural credit delivery.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed explained the current macro-economic situation and the measures being undertaken to accelerate growth and development as well as alleviation of poverty.

The possibilities of the use of micronutrients in the agriculture sector were also discussed. The Chief Adviser also explained the announced roadmap leading to elections "before the end of December 2008, or if possible, even at an earlier date".