Bangladesh - Emergency Support for Food Security Project

Overview & Synopsis

The development objective of the Emergency Support for Food Security for Bangladesh is to contribute to food security by supporting the availability of eligible fertilizers, in particular for smallholder farmers, during the planting seasons. The operation responds to acute external shocks, including conflict-driven supply disruptions and price volatility that threaten timely access to fertilizer in a country that relies heavily on imports and must secure inputs for the critical Aman and Boro rice seasons; it is a time-bound crisis intervention, not a vehicle for long-term subsidies. The Bank will finance imports of urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), triple super phosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MOP), and other acceptable fertilizers through streamlined arrangements that leverage existing government procurement and nationwide distribution channels, with simple and rapid disbursement modalities. Implementation will be coordinated by the Finance Division through an established project unit and incorporate robust fiduciary and integrity controls, including application of Anti-Corruption Guidelines, third-party quality inspection, shipment tracking, and sanctions screening, alongside strengthened financial reporting and audit. Climate-responsive delivery measures will schedule arrivals before peak monsoon risks, enable rerouting through alternate ports and waterways, and prioritize climate-exposed districts. Environmental and social risks are managed under the Environmental and Social Framework with an Environmental and Social Commitment Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Labor Management Procedures, and an accessible grievance redress mechanism, including provisions for handling sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment complaints. The project intends to maintain fertilizer availability for smallholders, preserve rice production capacity, stabilize staple food prices, and protect livelihoods, with results measured by fertilizer volumes imported by type, hectares of smallholder rice area covered, estimated people whose food access is maintained, and timely resolution of grievances.