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BD seeks foreign aid

DHAKA: Bangladesh will ask for dollars 2.3 billion in aid from wealthier nations to finance its annual development programmes, Finance Minister Shah Mohammad Kibria said on Saturday.

The aid request for the fiscal year beginning July 1 will be made during the April 14-15 meeting of Bangladesh's donors in Paris, Kibris told reporters.

The United States, several European countries, Japan and international financial organisations including the World Bank meet every year to review the country's economy and make new aid pledges. The meeting is usually held in Paris.

"This year we get indications from the donors that the aid commitment will be close to our estimate," the finance minister said. The annual aid finances more than 50 percent of Bangladesh's development programmes such as building roads, schools and hospitals and providing jobs to rural women.ÑAP