Japan Reaffirms Support for Bangladesh’s Development Goals

Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Miyazaki Katsura, on Thursday reaffirmed that Bangladesh remains one of Japan’s most important partners in Asia and pledged continued support for its development journey.

“We deeply mourn the lives lost and those injured in July’s unrest,” she told Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Prof Yunus urged Japan to enhance its cooperation with Bangladesh in several areas, including investment, fisheries, the Rohingya humanitarian response, and youth development—particularly in education and sports.

“Japan has always been a trusted friend. I recently visited your country and was deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality extended to me and my delegation,” said Prof Yunus.

He emphasised the significance of the Matarbari project, describing it as “the most important region for our country’s future,” and highlighted Bangladesh’s maritime potential.

“When I spoke with the JICA President in Japan, I expressed our vision of becoming a sea-based economy,” he added.

Prof Yunus also requested increased Japanese scholarships for Bangladeshi students and more employment opportunities for young people. “Many of our youth are willing to work in Japan. The main barrier is language. We proposed bringing Japanese teachers here or offering distance learning to teach language and workplace etiquette,” he said.

Addressing the plight of Rohingya refugees, he stated, “It’s a heartbreaking situation. Thousands of young people are growing up in camps with no hope. They’re becoming frustrated and angry.”

In response, Miyazaki said JICA is focused on supporting reforms in Bangladesh’s judiciary, public administration, local governance, and health sector, particularly as the country prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.

She also noted that JICA is working on a Bangladesh-focused project to introduce advanced ICT training in collaboration with local governments, businesses, and universities in both countries.

On youth development, Prof Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s recent successes in women’s sports. “Our girls are winning internationally. Just yesterday, they reached another final. We’re expanding hostel facilities but need more support for training and healthcare,” he said.

Miyazaki responded positively, noting that Japan is already sending volunteers for education projects in various countries and will consider extending cooperation in women’s sports.

The Chief Adviser also expressed gratitude for Japan’s recent Loan and Grant Agreements worth over USD 1 billion, covering economic reforms, railway infrastructure, and human resource development. He requested that Japan raise its annual ODA threshold from 300 billion to 450 billion JPY to accommodate more development projects.

“Bangladesh will always remember Japan’s friendship and contributions,” Prof Yunus concluded.