The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. Michael Foster)

The forum was widely hailed as a success. Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, opened the event, her speech referring specifically to the need for healthy democracy, decentralisation, transparency and anti-corruption. She highlighted the climate change challenge, called for speedy action on Copenhagen “fast-start” finance and emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment and gender equity. Her presence increased the profile of the event, attracting substantial national media attention.

Six business sessions covered: development strategies, governance and human development; power and energy; agriculture, food security and water resources; environment and climate change; transport and communications; and “Digital Bangladesh and ICT development”. The Minister of Finance A.M.A. Muhith chaired all six business sessions, supported by Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister Moshior Rahman and a number of cabinet ministers and secretaries. The event was well attended by development partners, including 36 development agencies and donors, and more than 80 civil society and private sector representatives. Bangladesh was congratulated on its progress towards the millennium development goals, on its sustained economic growth, and on its climate change strategy.

Improving delivery was at the heart of all discussions, with governance issues—the need for institutional and policy reforms, local government strengthening, improved implementation capacity and reduced corruption—and climate change featuring prominently. The importance of regional links in power, trade, transport and communications, and the need to create a better investment climate in Bangladesh was emphasised. The Finance Minister reaffirmed the Government’s determination to increase domestic revenue mobilisation and improve budget implementation.

The themes emerging from the BDF endorsed the direction the UK’s country plan for Bangladesh (2009-2014) is already taking, with our development efforts focused on building effective Government systems and strengthening the political system; improving the delivery of services; working with the private sector to create jobs; and helping the country live with climate change. Future programme direction and ongoing implementation of the existing portfolio will be guided by the BDF outcomes and framed by the joint co-operation strategy.

The Government of Bangladesh used the event to dismiss reports—in the UK and Bangladesh—of a dispute over climate change funding. The Government confirmed their desire to establish a climate change multi-donor trust fund, with grant funding committed from the UK, the European Union and Denmark. The fund will by led by the Government with the World Bank providing technical back-stopping and fiduciary management.

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