ADFD Invests $188 Million in Bangladesh’s Development

09 Jul 2026 • 3 min read

Anna Fischer

Construction Content Writer

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has invested $188 million, equivalent to AED 692 million, in Bangladesh’s development through projects across several key sectors.

The funding has supported initiatives in energy, agriculture, industry, transport, water infrastructure, and other areas of public development. Cooperation between the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Bangladesh dates back to 1976 and reflects ADFD’s broader commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth in partner countries.

The funding has been allocated to several areas of the economy, including energy, agriculture, industry, transport, water infrastructure, and other public development priorities. Cooperation between ADFD and Bangladesh dates back to 1976 and forms part of the Fund’s broader efforts to support sustainable economic growth in partner countries.

Alongside direct project financing, ADFD owns a 60% share in the UAE-Bangladesh Investment Company Limited. The organization provides financing on preferential terms to small and medium-sized projects, helping local businesses access capital, expand their operations, and create employment opportunities.

ADFD Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi described the partnership with Bangladesh as an example of the long-term strategic relationships the Fund aims to establish internationally. He also highlighted ADFD’s intention to continue supporting projects and investments that contribute to Bangladesh’s economic and social development.

Investment in Bangladesh’s Energy Infrastructure

Energy has been one of the main areas supported through ADFD financing. Projects have focused on increasing generation capacity, improving electricity transmission, and strengthening the stability of the national grid.

Shikalbaha Power Station

ADFD financed the expansion and modernization of the Shikalbaha Power Station. The project included the construction of new generating facilities with a capacity of 225 megawatts.

The additional capacity was designed to strengthen Bangladesh’s electricity network and help meet the growing energy demand, particularly in Dhaka, the country’s largest commercial and industrial center.

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Tongi–Ishwardi Transmission Line

The Fund also supported the construction of a 151-kilometer electricity transmission line connecting Tongi in eastern Bangladesh with Ishwardi in the west.

With a transmission capacity of around 200 megawatts, the project improved electricity distribution between the two regions and contributed to the development of Bangladesh’s wider power infrastructure.

Through these projects and its investment activities, ADFD continues to support essential infrastructure and economic development in Bangladesh while strengthening long-term cooperation between the UAE and Bangladesh.

Anna Fischer

Construction Content Writer

Anna has background in IT companies and has written numerous articles on technology topics.

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