World Bank to Provide US$ 300 Million for Clean Air Project

The World Bank will provide USD 300 million in assistance to support the Bangladesh Clean Air Project (BCAP), aimed at enhancing air quality management and reducing emissions from key sectors.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, announced this following a high-level meeting with Martin Raiser, Vice President of the World Bank South Asia Region, and Abdoulaye Seck, the World Bank's Country Director for Bangladesh.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in Dhaka on Sunday.

Rizwana noted that the project will be financed through an IDA credit, along with a potential grant for clean cooking initiatives as part of the National Air Quality Management Plan.

Additionally, she requested the World Bank's assistance in waste management and the restoration of canals in Dhaka to establish a ‘blue network.’

She emphasised the government’s strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches to water resource management and climate change mitigation.

Martin Raiser commended Bangladesh's efforts to implement progressive environmental policies and reaffirmed the World Bank's support in aligning these initiatives with global best practices.

Abdoulaye Seck stressed the significance of international collaboration and strategic investments to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary and Additional Secretary of the Environment Ministry, along with senior officials from both the ministry and the World Bank.