The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Qingfeng Zhang as its new Country Director for Bangladesh. He started his new role in Dhaka, a press release said.

Zhang will oversee ADB’s operations in Bangladesh—one of its largest country programs—further strengthen the bank’s long-standing partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, 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 more than 30 years of professional experience in sustainable development, including over 20 years with ADB. Throughout his career, he has led transformative programs and strategic initiatives in agriculture, food systems, water resources, environment, natural capital, and rural development. He has also 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, where he guided the bank’s strategic and operational engagement in advancing sustainable and resilient development across the region.

Zhang is a national of the People’s Republic of China. He 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. As of July 2026, ADB’s active public and private sector portfolio amounts to approximately $12.5 billion, making Bangladesh one of ADB’s largest country programs. 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. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.