Milla McLachlan, the bank's nutrition adviser, rejected the criticism, although she said it was valuable to have "constructive dialogue around our work." New data from the Bangladesh project, not yet made public, would show that the project has an impact, she said.
"It is quite clear that the project has had very positive outcomes regarding behavior."
There had been a 35 percent rise in the number of women undergoing antenatal check-ups, a doubling of those taking iron and folate supplements and a reduction in severe stunting.
McLachlan said that the bank did not operate nutrition programs in isolation: it would also be funding projects to improve sanitation, water, health and hygiene.
The education and behavior change projects were in addition to other efforts, she said.
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