World Bank provides $1.1 billion support to Bangladesh for food security and livelihood protection

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

The World Bank is providing approximately $1.1 billion in emergency financing to Bangladesh to address global energy and fertilizer market instability, maintain food production, and protect vulnerable populations.

The funding is being provided through two separate projects.

The World Bank said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have increased global pressure on food, fertilizer, and energy prices, affecting Bangladesh’s economy.

A major portion of the funds will be used under the “Emergency Support for Food Security Project” to import fertilizer for upcoming Aman and Boro seasons.

Around 600,000 metric tons of fertilizer, mainly urea, will be imported to ensure cultivation across 1.4 million hectares of land.

The World Bank noted that more than 85% of Bangladesh’s fertilizer demand is met through imports.

Jean Pesme, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, said the funding will help maintain agriculture, livelihoods, and public services.

Under the “Contingent Emergency Response Project,” funds will support vulnerable families, SMEs, and essential services like food, medicine, electricity, and clean water.

Experts say the support will help stabilize food security in the short term, but long-term reforms are needed to reduce import dependency.