The World Bank has approved $1.1 billion in financing for two projects aimed at helping Bangladesh manage volatility in global fertiliser and fuel markets while strengthening the country’s food security.
The funding follows the presentation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government’s first national budget earlier this month, which proposed a record 9.02 trillion taka ($74 billion) budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, including a projected deficit of $18.5 billion.
According to a World Bank statement issued on Saturday, the $300 million Emergency Support for Food Security Project will provide temporary financing to help Bangladesh import fertilisers for the Aman and Boro rice-growing seasons between July 2026 and April 2027.
The Aman and Boro harvests account for approximately 90% of Bangladesh’s total rice production, making them critical to the country’s food security.
The second initiative, the $713 million Contingent Emergency Response Project, will finance rapid emergency spending, including cash assistance, livelihood support, and the procurement of fuel and energy supplies to ensure the continued delivery of essential services such as food, healthcare, energy and water. The project is scheduled to be disbursed by June 30.