The World Bank (WB) reaffirmed Monday its continued support to Bangladesh's effort in building up a brighter future as the donor noticed "immense potential" of the country for attaining prosperity, reports UNB.

In order to help the country utilise this potential, the Bank intends to take the present excellent cooperation to new heights, said the visiting Managing Director of the WB, Shengman Zhang, when he called on Prime Minister (PM) Khaleda Zia at her office Monday afternoon.

"Bangladesh has immense potential, and if it is properly utilised, prosperity of the country will reach new heights," he observed during his talk with the Prime Minister.
The World Bank official said remarkable progress has been made in the domestic resource mobilisation and investment opportunities have improved in the country.

Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman, Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Mirza Tasadduk Hossain Beg, Secretary to the PM Khandakar Shahidul Islam and Country Director of the World Bank Christine I Wallich were present on the occasion.

The PM mentioned the development programmes taken by her government in various sectors, including education. She said free education and stipend programmes for girls are increasing the rate of female education in the country.

Khaleda also said the government laid importance on the private sector for higher growth in various socio-economic fields.

Shengman Zhang said Bangladesh had made significant progress in many areas but could not uphold the successes for lack of better projection in the media.

The World Bank executive mentioned the assistance provided by the multilateral funding agency in different sectors, including agriculture, power and energy.

Zhang said the World Bank is the best friend and partner in development and assured that the Bank's role would help Bangladesh achieve its development goals.