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Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for strengthened cooperation with Japan in areas such as investment, fisheries, Rohingya humanitarian aid, and youth development, particularly in education and sports. He made these remarks during a meeting with Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the state guest house Yamuna on Thursday (July 3).
Professor Yunus described Japan as a reliable friend of Bangladesh, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality he and his delegation received during a recent visit to Japan. “Bangladesh will always remember Japan’s friendship and contributions,” he said, noting the deep emotional impact of the visit. Miyazaki Katsura affirmed that Bangladesh is one of Japan’s key partners in Asia and reiterated JICA’s commitment to supporting the country’s development journey. He also expressed deep condolences for those killed and injured in the “July Uprising.” Highlighting the importance of the Matarbari project, Professor Yunus described it as a critical region for Bangladesh’s future. Emphasizing the country’s maritime potential, he stated, “I told the JICA President that we aim to build a sea-based economy.” The Chief Adviser also urged Japan to expand opportunities for Bangladeshi youth to study and work in Japan, noting that language barriers remain a challenge. “Many young people are eager to work in Japan. We proposed that Japanese teachers come to Bangladesh or provide online lessons to help our people learn the Japanese language and workplace etiquette,” he said. Expressing concern over the plight of Rohingya refugees, Professor Yunus called the situation “extremely painful,” highlighting the hopelessness and frustration among young people growing up in camps. Miyazaki noted that JICA is supporting reforms in Bangladesh’s judiciary, public administration, local government, and health sectors as part of preparations for the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. He also announced a special project to foster collaboration between local governments, institutions, and universities in Japan and Bangladesh to develop high-quality ICT human resources. On youth development, Professor Yunus praised the success of Bangladeshi women in sports, stating, “Our girls are winning everywhere. Just yesterday, they reached the finals. We are expanding hostel facilities, but they need more support for health and training.” In response, Miyazaki said Japan sends volunteers to support education projects in many countries and would consider further cooperation in women’s sports. Professor Yunus thanked Japan for recently signing a $1 billion loan and grant agreement, which will support economic reforms, railway construction, and human resource development. He also requested an increase in Japan’s annual Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 300 billion yen to 450 billion yen to facilitate more development projects.
