JICA keen to bolster coop with Bangladesh
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser to the Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged Japan to further strengthen its co-operation with Bangladesh in areas such as investment, fisheries, Rohingya humanitarian response, and youth development, including education and sports.
The Chief Adviser made these remarks during his meeting with Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital.
“Japan has always been a trusted friend. I have recently visited your country, and I was deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality extended to me and my delegation,” said Professor Yunus.
Miyazaki noted that Bangladesh remains one of Japan’s most important partners in Asia and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continue supporting Bangladesh’s development journey.
“We deeply mourn the lives lost and those injured in July uprising,” she said.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser highlighted the importance of the Matarbari project, describing it as “the most important region for our country’s future.”
Highlighting the maritime potential of Bangladesh he said, “When I spoke with the JICA President in Japan, I told him that we wanted to become a sea-based economy.”
Both sides also talked about the scholarship for the Bangladeshi students who mostly desire to go there.
About the issue, Professor Yunus requested Japan to increase scholarships for Bangladeshi young people to study in Japan, as well as expand opportunities for employment.
“Many young people can go to Japan for work too. The issue is language. We proposed that Japanese teachers come here or offer distance learning so our people can learn Japanese language and workplace etiquette,” he said.
Among other topics, the Rohingya situation and their repatriation to their homeland in Rakhaine State in Myanmar was also discussed as the resolution of the crisis is highly pressing for Bangladesh.
Expressing concerns, the Chief Adviser said, “It is a sad situation. Thousands of young people are growing up in camps with no hope. They are becoming frustrated and angry.”
Miyazaki said JICA is focusing on supporting reforms in Bangladesh’s judiciary, public administration, local government, and health sector as the country prepares for its graduation from LDC status in 2026.
She added JICA has taken up a Bangladesh focused project in an effort to introduce advanced ICT human resource training in collaboration with local governments, companies, and universities in both countries.
On youth development, the Chief Adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s success in women’s sports.
“Our girls are winning everywhere. On Wednesday they won another match and reached the final. We are increasing hostel facilities but need help for their health and training as well,” he said.
Miyazaki responded positively, stating that Japan is already sending volunteers for schooling projects in many countries and will consider further cooperation in women’s sports.
At the meeting, the Chief Adviser thanked Japan for signing the recent Loan and Grant Agreements worth over USD one billion for economic reforms, railway construction, and human resource development, and requested an increase in Japan’s annual ODA threshold from 300 billion to 450 billion JPY to implement more development projects.
Highlighting Japan’s supports in various areas, the Chief Adviser said, “Bangladesh and its people will always remember Japan’s friendship and contributions.”