Dhaka, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 3 September 2026 – H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, received H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, for bilateral talks focused on deepening the long-standing development partnership between Bangladesh and the IsDB Group.

H.E. Dr. Al Jasser was accompanied by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, and senior IsDB Group officials.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al Jasser praised the enduring relationship between Bangladesh and the IsDB Group, built over more than five decades and reflected in over US$32 billion in cumulative financing approvals.

The two leaders reviewed progress across the development portfolio and discussed how deeper cooperation could support the Government’s Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development 2026–2031. Priority areas included energy and food security, transport connectivity, digitalization, job creation, capacity development and private-sector-led growth.

The discussions also looked ahead to the preparation of the next IsDB Group Member Country Partnership Strategy for 2027 to 2031. The strategy will shape a focused program of cooperation around Bangladesh’s national priorities, financing needs and long-term development aspirations.

The two sides considered how the wider IsDB Group could contribute through IsDB financing, ITFC trade-finance solutions and ICIEC risk-mitigation products to mobilize resources and support sustainable economic growth.

The bilateral talks followed the signing of US$1 billion in IsDB financing for the Modernization and Expansion of the Eastern Refinery Project. H.E. Dr. Al Jasser described the project as a major step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security, expanding domestic refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the IsDB Group to translate the long-standing partnership into focused cooperation that continues to deliver lasting economic and social benefits.