On July 14, 2025, Johannes Zutt, the World Bank’s newly appointed Vice President for South Asia, met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser in Dhaka to discuss ongoing economic reforms. Zutt praised the interim government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, particularly its banking sector reforms aimed at addressing non-performing loans and enhancing transparency. He expressed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development projects, including infrastructure and social welfare initiatives, during his four-day visit, which began on July 12.
Zutt also paid tribute to the students who lost their lives in the July 2024 uprising, acknowledging their role in shaping the interim government’s reform agenda. The meeting, attended by the finance adviser and Bangladesh Bank governor, focused on strengthening financial institutions and improving governance to support sustainable growth. The interim government, formed after the uprising, has prioritized economic stabilization, with measures like the banking reform roadmap gaining traction among international partners.
The World Bank’s endorsement reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s efforts to rebuild its economy, which faces challenges like high inflation and foreign exchange constraints. Zutt’s visit, his first since assuming his role on July 1, underscores the World Bank’s commitment to partnering with Bangladesh to achieve long-term economic resilience.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 15th, 2025
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