World Bank Group Timeline
IDA's first credit for reconstruction is approved for East Pakistan following a catastrophic cyclone
The World Bank was created in large part to support reconstruction efforts in Europe following the Second World War. However, after an initial approval of four reconstruction loans to European countries in 1947 and 1948, the Bank Group was not significantly involved in these types of efforts again until the 1970s. The Cyclone Protection and Coastal Area Rehabilitation Project for East Pakistan is the first IDA credit to be approved in support of reconstruction; this type of investment will be an important focus for the World Bank Group in years to come. Approved just two months after the Bhola cyclone and subsequent storm surge devastated much of coastal Bangladesh, the project's objective is to provide immediate assistance to victims of the cyclone and establish devices for prevention of similar disasters in the future. Execution of the project will be delayed due to civil disturbances that will ultimately lead to the emergence of Bangladesh as its own country.
Resource Gallery
Wire from President McNamara to Pakistan President Yahya Khan
Nov. 18, 1970
President McNamara informs President Khan that the Bank will help with reconstruction efforts in East Pakistan following the catastrophic cyclone (1713281).
Coastal Area Rehabilitation and Cyclone Protection Project: Project Performance Audit Report
Document date: May 15, 1984
The report summarizes and evaluates the project's outcomes.
Correspondence from I. P. M. Cargill to R. H. Belcher
Jan. 19, 1971
Mr. Cargill informs Mr. Belcher that an IDA credit was approved to assist in the reconstruction of the areas affected by the recent cyclone (1713283).
Cyclone Protection and Coastal Area Rehabilitation Project: Appraisal Report
Document date: Dec. 30, 1970
The report describes the project, details its cost and financing, and describes its potential benefits.
Cyclone damage to homes
November 1970
Cyclone damage to homes in Patharghata village which was close to the center of the storm’s path (1726956; Credit: The World Bank).
Credit signing for East Pakistan Reconstruction Project
Jan. 13, 1971
Pictured are (left to right) Osman Ali, ED for Pakistan; A. R. Bashir, Economic Minister, Embassy of Pakistan; and World Bank Group Vice President J. Burke Knapp (1726956; Credit: The World Bank).
Reconstruction Project: President's Report
Document date: Sept. 19, 1972
The report covers Bangladesh's economy and the Bank's operations in the country and provides an overview of the project.
Radio interview discussing East Pakistan cyclone
Dec. 3, 1970
Bank staff member Pat Dugan is interviewed about experiencing the Nov. 3, 1970 cyclone in East Pakistan (81751I).
Cyclone Protection Coastal Area Rehabilitation Project
P009360: Approved Jan. 12, 1971
The profile contains project and financial information, and lists of project documents and archival records.
