ADB helping Bangladesh expand energy access and sustainability: Spokesperson

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it supports universal access to reliable and affordable energy services while promoting a low-carbon transition in the region.

Since Bangladesh became a member of ADB in 1973, the bank has been supporting the country’s projects and programmes to expand energy access, reliability and sustainability, said an ADB spokesperson, wishing not to be named.

ADB’s investments in energy have always been aligned with Bangladesh’s national development priorities and the global lender’s energy policy at the time of project approval.

Past investments in gas-based infrastructure aimed to address critical energy shortfalls at the time and thereby support the economy’s development, the spokesperson said.

Over the decades, ADB-supported projects have contributed substantially to the expansion and modernisation of Bangladesh's power and gas systems, resulting in near-universal electricity access, the elimination of blackouts due to generation shortages, and improved power quality and reliability, the ADB spokesperson stated.

ADB’s current investments follow its Country Partnership Strategy 2020–2025, which aims to improve power supply reliability and quality, expand renewable energy generation, upgrade transmission and distribution networks, boost energy efficiency, and support regional energy trade, according to the spokesperson.

The bank prioritises energy sector reforms and helps strengthen energy sector institutions to improve their planning capacity.

Transmission and distribution system strengthening has been identified as a prerequisite for the mass deployment of renewable energy in the power system. ADB has been prioritising its sovereign operations in Bangladesh for the development of transmission and distribution facilities since 2020, the ADB spokesperson said.

Contrary to recent media reports, ADB applies rigorous environmental and social safeguards to all projects.

Every investment undergoes classification, due diligence, and public disclosure in accordance with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). No project is approved without meeting these standards, the spokesperson mentioned.

The spokesperson further said ADB appreciates constructive engagement with stakeholders, including civil society organisations, and welcomes dialogue on how to enhance the impact, sustainability, and inclusivity of its operations.

ADB remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders – including governments, development partners, the private sector, and civil society – to deliver a low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient energy future, the spokesperson added.

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