World Bank President Ajay Banga met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, focusing on key national and regional challenges.

The meeting covered a broad agenda, including Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections in February, the country’s democratic transition, reforms in the fiscal and banking sectors, and plans to revitalize Chittagong Port. 

Both sides also discussed regional economic integration, the increasing political engagement of youth across Asia, and efforts to recover billions of dollars in stolen assets.

President Banga commended Professor Yunus for his leadership over the past 14 months, praising his role in guiding Bangladesh’s economic recovery during a turbulent period.

Professor Yunus, in turn, expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued support. He urged the institution to assist in recovering stolen funds and back the reform and modernization of Chittagong Port, describing it as a potential driver of manufacturing jobs and cross-border cooperation.

“Chittagong Port is key to economic growth in the region. Let’s develop together,” Yunus said, noting that landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, as well as India’s northeastern states, would benefit from an upgraded facility.

Banga emphasized the need for robust fiscal and banking reforms, calling them vital to laying the groundwork for sustainable, high-growth economic development.

Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed also attended the discussions.

MUM/SMS/