Global General

Bangladesh starts employment generation program for extreme poor

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-21 18:58

DHAKA: The Bangladeshi government is initiating a program with support of the World Bank to create employment opportunities for the country's extreme poor in rural areas during the lean season.

According to a press release of the World Bank (WB) Thursday, the program is developed on the lessons learned from earlier successful programs such as the recent "100-Day Employment Generation Program" which was established as a rapid response to the food and fuel crisis of 2007 and 2008.

It said the government is keen on making this employment generation program for the poorest people. The government accordingly requested the WB for financing and technical supports, to which the WB has agreed, said the press release.

Recently, a WB team held meeting with the country's Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, and identified three broad areas to help strengthen the government program.

It is currently expected that the WB financing will be US$150 million over the course of three years, and that project funds will be disbursed against pre-agreed results indicators to ensure greater efficiency in program delivery.