Key facts
- Bangladesh is launching an $80 billion economic corridor initiative, the Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND).
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a key supporter and plans to provide $5 billion over five years.
- The initiative aims to integrate transport, logistics, energy, digital infrastructure, and industrial zones.
- Approximately 50% of the total $80 billion funding is expected to come from the private sector.
- The government is pursuing reforms to simplify regulations and develop capital markets to attract private investment.
- The IGND initiative will focus on creating a Northwest–Dhaka–Southwest growth corridor.
Bangladesh is embarking on an ambitious $80 billion economic corridor project, the Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND) initiative, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This 20-year framework aims to stimulate growth beyond the major urban centers of Dhaka and Chattogram by integrating key sectors including transport, logistics, energy, industrial zones, and digital infrastructure.
The ADB plans to contribute $5 billion over the next five years to catalyze the initiative, with an additional $5 billion expected through co-financing. The remaining investment is anticipated to come from bilateral partners and, crucially, the private sector, which is targeted to provide approximately 50% of the total funding. To achieve this, Bangladesh is committed to implementing reforms focused on deregulation and capital market development to make projects more attractive and bankable for private investors.
The IGND initiative, which has received in-principle backing from the Bangladeshi government, will be integrated into the country's upcoming five-year strategy from FY27 to FY31. The initial phase will concentrate on developing key growth hubs such as Chattogram and the Rangpur-Bogura region. The long-term vision is to establish a Northwest–Dhaka–Southwest growth corridor, enhancing connectivity and fostering more balanced regional development across the nation.