DHAKA, Aug 04, 2026 (BSS) - The government is in close coordination with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for availing around $775 million support from the Manila-based lending agency against four fresh projects in the country's power and energy, inclusive affordable housing and education sectors.

"Work is underway for holding the negotiations with the ADB and finalizing other procedures for these proposed projects," said a senior official of the Economic Relations Division (ERD).

Talking to BSS, the senior ERD official informed that loan negotiations for $175 million ADB support has already been completed successfully for "Bangladesh: The Sustainable Energy Development and Empowering Communities in Chattogram Hill Tracts Project". The DPP of the project now awaits ECNEC approval.

The project is located in the southeastern region of Bangladesh, encompassing the districts of Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban, collectively known as the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).

The project encompasses a comprehensive power distribution system development and modernization program in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). 

Key activities include the construction of Six new 33/11 KV substations (Three in Rangamati, one in Bandarban, and two in Khagrachari) and the upgradation of four existing substations along with the construction of one new switching stations.

SM Jakaria Huq, ERD Additional Secretary and Wing Chief, ADB, informed that loan negotiations for $100 million for the "Bangladesh: Inclusive Affordable Housing Finance Project" and another $200 million for the "Strengthening of Distribution network for 13 Palli Bidyut Samities Surrounding Dhaka City" is likely to be held this month.

Besides, the ADB and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) are set to provide US$350 million to support a wide-ranging education reform programme in Bangladesh.

The "Bangladesh: Inclusive Affordable Housing Finance Project" project addresses the core market failures that prevent scaling-up of inclusive, affordable housing finance solutions for low- and middle-income households, with a particular focus on access for women. 

The project envisages three key solutions: Credit line for innovative, inclusive, and affordable housing finance solutions.

A proposed $100 million financial intermediation loan will be used to fund a credit line to be established through PKSF in local currency to fund sub-loans to the target low-income beneficiaries, particularly women through eligible MFIs.

According to the proposal, the "Strengthening of Distribution network for 13 Palli Bidyut Samities Surrounding Dhaka City" project aims to modernise and strengthen distribution networks in rapidly industrialising areas, particularly Gazipur, Narayanganj and Narsingdi, where large factories and economic zones have significantly increased electricity demand.

The Taka 4,973.73 crore draft project aims to strengthen electricity distribution systems in industrially developed areas surrounding Dhaka to meet rapidly growing demand from industries, businesses and households. 

The project will be implemented by the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) across 13 Palli Bidyut Samities in Dhaka, Gazipur, Mymensingh, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Narayanganj and Narsingdi districts.

Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) are set to provide US$350 million to support a wide-ranging education reform programme in Bangladesh.

The "NextGen Education Programme" aims at improving learning outcomes, expanding digital education and strengthening institutional capacity.

Of the total assistance, Bangladesh will receive a $300 million concessional loan from the ADB and a $50 million grant from the GPE, according to another official at the ERD.

The programme will be implemented through three separate projects under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Secondary and Higher Education Division (SHED), and the Technical and Madrasah Education Division (TMED) by December 2030.

Under the proposed financing structure, $220 million of the ADB loan will be allocated to secondary and higher education, while the remaining $80 million will support technical and madrasah education.

The $50 million GPE grant will support primary, secondary and technical education. Of the total grant, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education will receive $22 million, while SHED and TMED will each receive $14 million.

According to the project proposal, the initiative aims to modernise Bangladesh's education system through digital transformation, improved learning outcomes, teacher development, infrastructure expansion and institutional reforms.

Officials said the "NextGen Education Programme" is expected to become a landmark reform initiative for Bangladesh's education sector by linking development financing to measurable improvements in learning quality, institutional efficiency and skills development.

Earlier in May this year, the ADB announced that it would provide Bangladesh with $5 billion in support over the next five years.

The funding, announced during a visit to Dhaka by ADB President Masato Kanda, will support the Integrated Growth Network Development Initiative, which aims to improving connectivity, boosting investment and thus promoting balanced regional development.