Dhaka, May 25 -- An incremental assistance package announced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would fetch Bangladesh US$5.0 billion over next five years and increase the subsequent annual aid by 20 per cent.

The announcement came Monday when ADB President Masato Kanda met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka discussing Bangladesh's development priorities.

Such a bounteous financing commitment comes while the release of remaining sums from an as-much IMF lending package for the country stalls under conditions the new government feels unpalatable in the current context.

The Integrated Growth Network Development Initiative presented by Mr. Kanda during his visit is designed to expand investment, create jobs, improve connectivity, and...