Representatives from Bangladesh's development partners—including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Islamic Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), USAID, the United Kingdom's Department for International Development, and the World Bank—participated in deliberations held at the Bangladesh Development Forum 2015, attended by Bangladesh government officials and private sector representatives.

Mr. Arastoo Khan, Additional Secretary of Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division and member of the Planning Commission, shared national needs for infrastructure development and called for support from development partners. Bangladesh requires about $8 billion annual investment as indicated in the country's Seventh Five-Year Plan. According to Mr. Khan, upgrading of Bangladesh's infrastructure is a primary agenda for economic development, and supports the country’s ability to meet the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

JICA Director General for South Asia, Mr. Toru Arai, a panelist, said Bangladesh needs to upgrade its regional connectivity by improving its road, railway and water transport. Good connectivity within the region, as well as ensuring quality infrastructure development, will help facilitate the country's growth.

ADB Director, Energy Division, South Asia Department, Mr Anthony Jude, also recommended enhancing connectivity within the region, including development of the country's power sector.

The development partners have also suggested increasing participation of the private sector, keeping regional connectivity in consideration.

Related Links:

• Improve governance, build better regional connectivity
• Involve pvt sector hugely to reach new dev goals
• Bangladesh firm on achieving SDGs, says Hasina