DHAKA, June 28 | RKI.News | Source: Xinhua
The World Bank’s board of executive directors has approved 250 million U.S. dollars in financing for Bangladesh to modernize five key government agencies, aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public sector operations.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Washington-based lender said the Strengthening Institutions for Transparency and Accountability (SITA) project, approved on June 12, adopts a comprehensive approach to institutional reform. It focuses on enhancing data production, domestic revenue mobilization, public investment management, procurement, and audit systems.
The project will support investments in digital infrastructure, institutional reforms, and capacity-building initiatives across the five agencies involved. Officials said the reforms are intended to strengthen governance systems and improve service delivery.
Zonayed Saki, Bangladesh’s state minister of finance and planning, said the initiative would modernize systems and enhance transparency in procurement, public financial management, and project implementation.
He added that the reforms are expected to build public trust and increase institutional accountability to citizens.
Jean Pesme, World Bank divisional director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, said the country’s next phase of growth depends on strong and transparent institutions that are trusted by both people and investors.
He added that the SITA project will modernize core systems, improve data quality, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and reinforce accountability across government operations.