A four-member high-level delegation from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) held a courtesy meeting with Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority Mohammad Abdur Rouf on Sunday, aimed at boosting sustainable investment and technical cooperation in the country's transport and communication infrastructure sector.

The AIIB delegation was led by Rajat Misra, Director General of the bank's Public Sector Clients Department (Region 1).

Opening the meeting, the Bridges Division secretary welcomed the delegation and highlighted the success and socio-economic impact of Bangladesh's mega projects, particularly the Padma Bridge, Jamuna Bridge and Dhaka Elevated Expressway.

He noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is moving toward building world-class infrastructure.

Both sides held detailed discussions on the potential for AIIB-financed, environment-friendly and technology-driven communication infrastructure in line with Bangladesh's development goals.

They expressed positive interest in investment opportunities in several key projects, including measures to ease traffic congestion, modern toll management systems, the Dhaka-Chattogram Elevated Expressway, the Dhaka East-West Elevated Expressway, a subway system, and a second Jamuna Bridge.

The Bridges secretary emphasised that loan terms and conditions must be affordable and sustainable in keeping with Bangladesh's socio-economic context.

He said regular technical-level communication between the two institutions would continue to expedite the investment process.

Rouf requested AIIB to submit a formal written proposal outlining the terms and areas of investment, which would be reviewed before further steps are taken subject to government approval.

He also reaffirmed the Bridge Authority's commitment to implementing projects with transparency and accountability, in line with the head of government's declaration.

Delegation leader Rajat Misra praised Bangladesh for breaking away from conventional patterns of infrastructure development through the successful application of modern technology.

Citing Bangladesh's emerging economic strength in South Asia, he said AIIB is keen to establish a long-term partnership with the country.