Tajikistan: Coronavirus brings bonanza of aid, but zero accountability

Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, Tajikistan had to plead and wheedle for any grant money and loans that came its way. Since the crisis arrived, however, the government has received at least $300 million in grants and credit and is expecting another $70 million or so. Jamoliddin Nuraliyev, first deputy head of the National Bank of Tajikistan, or NBT, said on July 27 that the anticipated $52.5 million from the Asian Development Bank and the $16 million pledged by the World Bank would be used for “development of the country's economy and banking system." The bulk of the money paid out earlier – just...