DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith sought financial aid from World Bank (WB) to implement and assist the budget of the country.

The finance minister made the plea when World Bank Vice President for South Asia Philippe Le Houerou met him at his secretariat office on Tuesday.

In response to queries of journalists, Muhith said that usually the donors provide financial supports considering the reform programs.

After the global recession, Bangladesh took support from Asian Development Bank (ADB) as it was not recently taken from the World Bank.

Regarding the budget support from WB, the finance minister said it is not easily obtainable. “We have requested them to consider the government’s budget performance in past five years,” he said.

Muhith said the government would give priority in several sectors, including power, energy, education and agriculture.

Reforms in various sectors like banking, social securities and food distribution program will come forward, he added.

He, however, did not mention the amount of the budget support that he had sought from the World Bank.

The finance minister also said that the World Bank assured a total loan support of 280 crore dollars.

About the Padma Bridge project, the finance minister said final tender in constructing the bridge will be called between June and July.

The finance minister further said that the World Bank has diverted its fund for the bridge to other sectors.

BDST: 2050 HRS, APR 01, 2014