The World Bank has approved $1.1 billion in emergency financing for Bangladesh to strengthen food security, support fuel imports, and protect livelihoods as the country's fertilizer supply and fuel procurement have been disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a statement from the organization said.

“The World Bank has stepped up with immediate support to help Bangladesh mitigate this impact to ensure fertilizer supply for rice production, protect households, jobs and livelihoods and continue with essential services”,  said Jean Pesme, World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The emergency financing package consists of two projects: the Emergency Support for Food Security Project, worth $300 million, and the Contingent Emergency Response Project, valued at $713 million. 

The $300 million allocation will enable Bangladesh to import fertilizers needed for the Aman and Boro rice cultivation seasons, covering the periods from July to October 2026 and October 2026 to April 2027, respectively.

Meanwhile, the $713 million is expected to be disbursed by the end of this month to finance fuel and energy imports, while also supporting emergency expenditures for affected households and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Last Wednesday, in another programme, the World Bank approved an additional $450 million to help Bangladesh strengthen its banking sector and support reforms aimed at protecting depositors, improving bank supervision, and restoring confidence in the financial system.