Police Reform: Bangladesh seeks Japan’s support
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has sought Japan’s cooperation in reforming and restructuring the country’s police force to strengthen law enforcement and improve public safety.
The request came during a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi at the Home Ministry office in the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the minister described Japan as a trusted friend and one of Bangladesh’s largest development partners, highlighting Tokyo’s involvement in several major infrastructure projects across the country.
He referred in particular to the Dhaka Metro Rail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, both implemented with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Salahuddin Ahmed noted that Japan has already supported initiatives aimed at improving traffic safety under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and expressed hope that the partnership could be expanded to include broader police reform and institutional restructuring.
“We will place suitable proposals from our side in this regard,” the minister said.
According to officials, the meeting covered a range of issues of mutual interest, including law and order, security cooperation, police modernization, traffic management, as well as trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Saida congratulated the minister on assuming his new responsibilities and reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh’s infrastructural development.
The envoy noted that a traffic safety project implemented under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police had been completed last year and indicated Japan’s interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies.
Referring to the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, the ambassador also requested enhanced security measures for Japanese nationals living in Bangladesh.
In response, the home minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens residing in the country, including investors and businesspeople.
“We are ready to provide necessary security to all Japanese nationals residing in Bangladesh and will consider any request from Japan with utmost importance,” he said.
Rebeka Khan, joint secretary of the Political-1 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with embassy officials KOMINE Ken and MOCHIDA Yutaro, were also present at the meeting.
