What are the delayed World Bank projects in Bangladesh?
At least 11 projects, worth $3.298 billion in total, have been delayed by procurement failures, weak coordination, and land disputes, according to official documentation.
Several large World Bank-financed projects in Bangladesh are moving at a snail's pace, leaving billions of dollars undisbursed and raising fears of loan cancellations.
At least 11 projects, worth $3.298 billion in total, have been delayed by procurement failures, weak coordination, and land disputes, according to official documentation.
The stalled projects
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The biggest concern is the Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia (ACCESS) Project, worth $753.45 million. Approved in May 2023, it has disbursed less than $43 million.
Land acquisition disputes, staff shortages, and delayed bids have slowed progress.
The World Bank has warned that $266 million for the road component could be cancelled if contracts are not signed by December 2025.
The Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation (BEST) Project, approved in December 2022, has released only $14.7 million of its $184.74 million budget.
Procurement and budget complications have left it rated "moderately unsatisfactory."
In the Dhaka Sanitation Improvement Project (DSIP), more than $280 million remains undisbursed.
Managed by the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa), it has been hampered by design delays, weak contract management, and staff shortages.
The Enhancing Digital Government and Economy (EDGE) Project has already been restructured three times, reducing its budget from $295 million to $120 million. With $45.4 million undisbursed, progress ratings remain "moderately unsatisfactory."
The Western Economic Corridor and Regional Enhancement (WeCARE) Programme has nearly $438 million undisbursed due to slow land acquisition and pending development plan revisions.
The Urban Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP) Project, with $194 million stuck due to budget approval bottlenecks.
The Resilient Infrastructure for Adaptation and Vulnerability Reduction (RIVER) Project, where $417 million remains undisbursed amid procurement and leadership setbacks.
The Climate-smart Agriculture and Water Management Project, with $74 million, is stalled by land disputes and slow consultant mobilisation.
The Bangladesh Regional Waterway Transport Project, with $72 million, is held up by terminal construction delays.
The Bangladesh Road Safety Project, with $174 million undisbursed despite contracts for vehicles and equipment.
The Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project which has already lost $22.6 million and still has $143 million undisbursed due to bureaucratic delays.
Officials warned that unless these projects accelerate, Bangladesh risks losing hundreds of millions in loans and undermining progress in infrastructure, health, environment, and education.
