"We are very optimistic [about the ongoing drive]," Sadiq Ahmed, visiting WB sector director said. "One of the key element of WB assistance is anti-corruption. The WB Board has approved an anti-corruption strategy. Bangladesh government's measures are very positive. This would definitely generate a positive impact [from the WB side]," he added.

The WB director was talking with the reporters after a meeting with Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam.

"We have not imposed any new condition. We have discussed implementation of the issues that the government previously agreed to do," he said.

The WB mission talked on various issues, including power procurement.

Corruption in the power sector led to unsuccessful purchases and due to corruption, financing has become difficult, Sadiq noted. "We have talked about how to ensure corruption-free procurement."

The WB delegation also discussed how to make the new public procurement law effective and how to apply that in the power sector. "We just want to see that these procurements follow a transparent process," he pointed out.

High levels of subsidies in power, petroleum and aviation were also discussed. "The power sector alone is given Tk 1,200 crore subsidy each year," Sadiq said adding that the customers should know that this subsidy cannot continue forever.

Regarding hike in the prices of energy or power, he noted that the WB has not set any deadline. "That is up to the government to decide politically what is the right time to raise the prices," he said.

Talking to the reporters, Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam too spoke against continuing subsidy. "Our economy is becoming dependent on subsidy. We need a guideline on this matter."

The WB board might approve the fourth DSC instalment in May, he added.