The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Qingfeng Zhang as its new Country Director for Bangladesh. Zhang, who has more than 30 years of experience in sustainable development, started his new role in Dhaka today, according to an ADB press release. He will oversee ADB’s operations in Bangladesh, one of the bank’s largest country programs, and work to strengthen its partnership with the Government of Bangladesh. Zhang will lead strategic policy dialogue with stakeholders and guide the preparation of ADB’s next country partnership strategy.
"It is a privilege to serve as ADB Country Director for Bangladesh at an important stage in the country’s development," said Zhang. "Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable resilience and economic progress over past decades. ADB remains committed to working closely with the government and development partners to create quality jobs, strengthen resilience, accelerate private sector-led growth, and deepen regional cooperation through innovative financing, knowledge solutions, and high-quality investments."
Zhang brings extensive experience in sustainable development, having led transformative programs and strategic initiatives in agriculture, food systems, water resources, environment, natural capital, and rural development. He has built strong partnerships with governments, development institutions, academia, and the private sector. Prior to this appointment, Zhang served as Senior Director of ADB’s Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office.
Zhang holds a doctorate in environmental engineering from Tsinghua University, a master’s degree in water resources management, and a bachelor’s degree in hydrology from Sichuan University. He also completed executive education at Harvard Business School. Bangladesh joined ADB in 1973, and as of July 2026, ADB’s active public and private sector portfolio amounts to approximately $12.5 billion. ADB has committed around $43 billion in cumulative loans and grants to support the country’s development.
ADB expects to commit around $2.4 billion in annual lending over the next several years to help Bangladesh advance sustainable growth, bolster resilience to natural hazards, enhance regional connectivity, and improve lives. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
