The chief adviser placed the priority for development assistance when the visiting WB Vice-president for South Asia region, Praful C Patel, made a courtesy call on him at his office.

It is the first visit of the multilateral donor agency to Bangladesh after Fakhruddin assumed the office of chief adviser on January 12.

Responding to Fakhruddin, the WB top executive assured of extending support, partnering with other development partners of Bangladesh, to help in implementing the development plans and programmes of the government.

Patel said the WB would continue its support to Bangladesh, on a larger scale in the days ahead, according to Secretary-in-charge of Chief Adviser's Office Kazi M Aminul Islam, who was present at the meeting.

Patel appreciated and expressed satisfaction over the caretaker government's performance, outcome and various reforms in a short time, which has been also praised throughout the world.

"The prime objective of the caretaker government is to hold a free, fair and credible election, and the government is carrying out all the activities keeping in mind that the present government is accountable to the people," Fakhruddin said.

He said, as they want to hold election with a flawless voter list so the Election Commission is working to that end.

Explaining the importance of various sectors for which he sought assistance from the donor agency, Fakhruddin said his government wants to deal with the power sector on a war footing to take it on the fast track as the country's socioeconomic development is dependent on electricity.

On Local government, he said strengthening local government was long expectation of all and it needs strengthening administratively and financially to reduce dependence of the local government on the government.

Regarding Padma Bridge, he said it would help in ensuring balanced economic development across the country along with connecting Mongla seaport with many parts of the country.

On agriculture development, the chief adviser said the government is giving much importance to its extension, research, development of technology and developing supply chain to connect growers and consumers. He sought WB's long-term support for this agenda.

The meeting also discussed quick implementation of development projects and disbursement of funds.

The WB will also support capacity building of various ministries for implementing projects, Patel stated.

WB Country Director Xian Zhu, its Operations Adviser Mohammad Althousseyni Toure, ERD Additional Secretary Md Shahidul Huq and Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam were also present at the meeting.