The World Bank has approved $1.1 billion in emergency financing for Bangladesh to strengthen food security and support vulnerable households. The package will help the country manage rising fertiliser, fuel, and food costs linked to the Middle East conflict. The funding is also intended to protect economic stability and essential public services.
The financing includes two emergency projects designed to help Bangladesh respond to external economic shocks. Of the total amount, $300 million will fund fertiliser imports under the Emergency Support for Food Security Project. The programme will finance 600,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser for upcoming rice cultivation seasons.
The World Bank said Bangladesh imports more than 85 percent of its fertiliser requirements, making it vulnerable to global supply disruptions. The fertiliser project is expected to support rice production across 1.4 million hectares of farmland. Officials said the initiative would help safeguard agricultural output and food supplies.
The remaining $713 million will be provided through the Contingent Emergency Response Project. The funds will finance emergency cash transfers, livelihood support for affected households and small businesses, and imports of fuel and energy. The package will also help maintain healthcare, electricity, water supplies, and food distribution services.
Bangladesh is also seeking additional financial assistance from development partners, including the International Monetary Fund, to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and ease pressure on public finances. The World Bank said the emergency financing would help protect jobs, livelihoods, and critical services while improving the country’s ability to respond to future economic shocks.