WB South Asia VP Zutt arrives in Dhaka

Johannes Zutt, the newly appointed Vice President for the South Asia Region at the World Bank, arrived in Dhaka today for a four-day official visit. 

Zutt will hold meetings with the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, the Finance Adviser, the Bangladesh Bank Governor, and other senior government officials, as well as private sector representatives. 

Zutt, who assumed his role on July 1, 2025, is making Bangladesh his first official destination as Vice President. He previously served as the World Bank’s Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal from 2013 to 2015. 

A Dutch national, Zutt joined the World Bank in 1999 and has held roles of increasing responsibility, including Country Director for Brazil and Director for Strategy, Results, Risk, and Learning in the Operational Policy and Country Services Vice Presidency. 

He has also served as Country Director for Türkiye, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Somalia. 

Reflecting on his return, Zutt said, “I have fond memories of Bangladesh and its resilient, creative people. I look forward to witnessing the transformative changes achieved over the past decade. The World Bank remains committed to supporting Bangladesh’s sustainable and inclusive growth and creating better job opportunities for the two million youths entering the job market annually.” 

Since Bangladesh’s independence, the World Bank has been a key development partner, committing approximately $46 billion, primarily through grants and concessional credits. Bangladesh currently hosts one of the largest ongoing programs supported by the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA).