Japan has always stood by Bangladesh’s infrastructure and socio-economic development, and will continue to do so in the future; this is its firm conviction. Japan is also on the side of Bangladesh regarding the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. The existing relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened. With the completion of the JICA-funded project, the economy of Bangladesh will change drastically.
This was stated by the policymakers of the two countries at a function organised to mark the 50th anniversary of Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) relations with Bangladesh. JICA Senior Vice President Keiichiro Nakazawa, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nawaki Ito, JICA Chief Representative to Bangladesh Yuho Hayakawa, Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office Tofazzal Hossain Mia, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and Secretary of Economic Relations Department (ERD) Fatima Yasmin spoke at a function held at a hotel in Dhaka on Thursday (16 June).
In a video message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation of Japan’s relations with Bangladesh in 1973. As his legacy, we have strengthened relations between the two countries. Japan is one of the major sources of foreign aid. This relationship will go further based on mutual respect.’
The Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh said that the development of Bangladesh in the last 50 years is truly eye-catching. Many roads and bridges have been built during this time. Bangladesh has been illuminated by 100% electrification. Metrorail, economic zone, Jamuna Rail Bridge – if these projects are implemented, the face of Bangladesh will change. He said that 11 lac Rohingyas who fled from Myanmar for fear of death are living in Bangladesh but the situation cannot continue like this. Japan will stand by Bangladesh in Rohingya repatriation.
In the last 50 years, Bangladesh has achieved something remarkable. Japan is grateful that Japan can be a partner in this achievement, said Yoho Hayakawa, JICA’s Chief Representative in Bangladesh. He said that this cooperation will continue. The two countries will move forward shoulder to shoulder based on mutual trust and relations.
Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office Tofazzal Hossain Mia said that Japan was among the first countries to acknowledge Bangladesh after it became independent. Japan has contributed not only to the development of Bangladesh’s infrastructure but also to education and agriculture. Japan has always been on the side of Bangladesh regarding the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. He expressed hope that the relations between the two countries would be further strengthened.
Bangladesh’s relationship with Japan is not only about infrastructure development but also between the people of the two countries. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen thinks that the economy of Bangladesh will change radically if the ongoing projects funded by Japan are completed.
ERD Secretary Fatima Yasmin said that Japan’s contribution to Bangladesh’s health and education sector is undeniable. So far, they have provided 2 thousand and 800 crore dollars in loans. He hopes that their support will continue.
