The World Bank has commented that Bangladesh's current macroeconomic situation is in much better shape than it was about a year ago.

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Johannes Jutt made the remarks after a meeting with Financial Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed at the Secretariat on Sunday (July 13, 2025).

After the meeting, the financial advisor told reporters, "The World Bank's comment is that Bangladesh's macroeconomic situation is very good now."

"About a year ago, we feared that the situation might become very difficult for us. But now we feel we are moving in the right direction," he said.

The financial advisor said that in his new role, Johannes Jutt will now oversee the World Bank's operations in South Asia and his office will be in New Delhi instead of Washington.

He said that Johannes Jutt is aware of the World Bank's various ongoing projects and budget support in Bangladesh.

He also said that although it was thought that Bangladesh would face difficult challenges about a year ago, the World Bank has now expressed satisfaction with the overall economic situation.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said that the Vice President of the World Bank acknowledged the improved condition of the country's financial sector, balance of payments, and foreign exchange sector.

He said Johannes Jutt emphasized the development of the private sector and attracting more foreign investment (FDI).

The financial advisor said that Johannes Jutt admitted that Bangladesh's current economic situation is better than other countries.

He also said that Jutt positively mentioned the changes that have taken place in the country's infrastructural development during his tenure as the World Bank's country director in Bangladesh 10-12 years ago.

Issues related to IFC's activities were also discussed at the meeting.

In response to a question, the financial advisor said that the interim government has received all the assistance it requested from the World Bank.

He said the next phase of the expected assistance will be raised at the annual meeting of the World Bank-IMF group next October.

In response to another question, Dr. Salehuddin said that the World Bank is satisfied with the reform initiatives taken in the financial sector, especially in the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

He said that the restructuring of banks has begun at Bangladesh Bank and the World Bank wants to see the full implementation of the decision to split the NBR into two separate organizations, although it will take some time.

Salehuddin said that there have also been discussions about a container terminal at Chittagong Port and Laldia, and the World Bank has agreed to provide assistance in the infrastructure sector.

When asked about the US tariff issue, the financial advisor said that details on this matter will be provided after the trade advisor and the head of the negotiating delegation return to the country.

Johannes Jutt, the new Vice President for the World Bank's South Asia Region, arrived in Dhaka on Sunday.

As one of Bangladesh's major development partners since independence, the World Bank has provided nearly $46 billion in assistance, most of which is in the form of grants or low-interest loans.