Fakhrul seeks deeper dev partnership with JICA

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday expressed optimism that cooperation between Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will continue to grow, describing the agency as one of the country’s key development partners.

He said JICA has made notable contributions to Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, local government system, safe water supply and other public service sectors.

The minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with JICA President Dr TANAKA Akihiko at his office at the Secretariat, according to a ministry release.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ongoing and future development initiatives. They also exchanged views on waste and water management, strengthening local government capacity, and promoting sustainable urban development.

The LGRD Minister said Bangladesh is moving forward rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said the Prime Minister wants to complete development works swiftly, adding that all are extending full cooperation under his leadership in implementing the country’s development activities.

He also said the government is working in a coordinated manner with international development partners to make the local government system more modern, effective and people-friendly.

In this regard, he said, JICA’s experience, technical assistance and investment will play an important role in the country’s sustainable development.

Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hassan, Director General of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Md Mahmudul Hasan, and senior ministry officials were present at the meeting.