The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The visiting World Bank Vice-President of South Asia region Praful C Patel yesterday pledged assistance to Bangladesh to combat climate change and natural disasters.

"The World Bank will give Bangladesh $1.3 billion in annual budgets for the next three fiscal years," he told the media after meeting with Finance and Planning Adviser Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam at his office. The decision of the international lending agency came in the wake of natural disasters that has caused climate change in Bangladesh, Praful added.

Replying to a query he said the high prices of fuel, fertiliser and foods in the international market has also affected Bangladesh.

He said that the climate change has caused natural disasters in the country, which remain a big challenge for Bangladesh.

Assistance of the World Bank would be continued to Bangladesh in combating the natural disasters that hamper the growth of the country, he mentioned.

The Finance Adviser said he had sought help from the World Bank's fund for combating climate change.