'Bangladesh evokes profound, moving impressions. The country is the most densely populated state in the world. It has limited natural resources and is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Famine is an ever-present danger... Emerging from a bloody war in 1971, the country's capacity to survive was widely doubted. But Bangladesh has survived, and has made progress in economic and social development.'Despite the political traumas from 1977 to 1980, Bangladesh has made progress in economic and social development and has been transformed over the past 16 years. From the country's inception, the World Bank has been involved in Bangladesh's economic development. The International Development Association (IDA) has financed about a quarter of all foreign aid commitments. However, Bangladesh's dependence on foreign aid has raised concerns regarding sovereignty and self-reliance in the development process. This Country Assistance Review (CAR) presents the findings of an Operations Evaluation Department team that visited Bangladesh in August/September 1996. It represents a synthesis of the key findings of the evaluation. The CAR's main conclusion is that IDA's assistance to Bangladesh has been effective, and the partnership forged with the government has brought some notable successes. The lessons drawn from it are presented at a strategic level and are applicable in Bangladesh and other countries.