Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged Japan to strengthen cooperation in investment, fisheries, humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees, and youth development, particularly in education and sports. He made this call during a meeting with Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the state guesthouse Yamuna in Dhaka on Thursday.
Yunus stated, “Japan has always been a trusted friend. I recently visited your country, and the warmth and hospitality shown to me and my delegation deeply touched me.” Highlighting the Matarbari project, he described it as “the most critical region for Bangladesh’s future.”
Emphasizing Bangladesh’s maritime potential, he said, “We aim to transform into a sea-based economy.” He also requested increased scholarships and job opportunities in Japan for Bangladeshi youth, adding, “Many young people want to work in Japan, but the language barrier is an issue. Japanese teachers could come here or provide training remotely to teach language and workplace etiquette.”
Expressing concern over the Rohingya refugee crisis, Yunus noted, “Thousands of young people are growing up in camps without hope, leading to frustration and anger.”
Miyazaki responded, “Bangladesh is one of Japan’s key partners in Asia.” Expressing condolences for those killed and injured in the July movement, he reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development. He mentioned that JICA is aiding reforms in the judiciary, public administration, local government, and health sectors to prepare Bangladesh for its transition from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. Additionally, JICA has launched a project to train ICT human resources in collaboration with local governments, companies, and universities in both countries.
On youth development, Yunus highlighted the success of Bangladeshi women in sports, saying, “Our girls are winning everywhere. They need more support for health and training.” Miyazaki responded positively, stating that Japan would consider further cooperation in women’s sports, noting that Japan already sends volunteers to support education in several countries.
The Chief Adviser thanked Japan for over one billion USD in loans and grants for economic reforms, railway construction, and human resource development. He also requested an increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 300 billion yen to 450 billion yen to implement more development projects.
Yunus concluded, “Bangladesh will always remember Japan’s friendship and contributions
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