On 14 August 2025, a half-day Familiarization Workshop on the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) was held at the World Bank Dhaka Office with senior officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the Planning Commission (PC).
The workshop aimed to strengthen institutional capacity by enhancing participants’ understanding of the ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), and their alignment with Bangladesh’s Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR 2023).
The program began with Opening Remarks by Ms. Gayle Martin, Operational Manager, The World Bank, who highlighted the importance of integrating ESF early in project design. Ms. Sabah Moyeen, Senior Social Development Specialist, The World Bank emphasized the growing significance of ESF in Bangladesh’s development initiatives.
Technical presentations were delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Mafizur Rahman, Department of Civil Engineering, BUET, and Professor Dr. Sheikh Mokhlesur Rahman, Director, CERM, BUET focusing on ESF structure, project lifecycle integration, and ECR 2023 requirements.
Mr. Shariful Islam, Senior Social Development Specialist, The World Bank presented case studies on land acquisition and resettlement, highlighting challenges and lessons learned.
The workshop concluded with Closing Remarks by Mr. Iqbal Ahmed, Senior Environmental Specialist, The World Bank, emphasizing stronger coordination between ERD, PC, and the World Bank for sustainable ESF-compliant project implementation.
This collaborative effort, by CERM, BUET and The World Bank marks an important step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s capacity to integrate environmental and social safeguards into development planning.
