The chief advisor to the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has called on Japan to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as investment in Bangladesh, fisheries, humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya, and youth development, including education and sports. He also called for more scholarships and workers for Bangladeshi youth in the country.
He made this call during a meeting with Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday (July 3).
During the meeting with Miyazaki Katsura, Dr. Yunus said, “Japan has always been a loyal friend of Bangladesh. I recently visited your country. I am deeply impressed by the sincerity and hospitality that my delegation and I have received,” Miyazaki said. “Bangladesh is one of Japan’s most important partners in Asia.” He reiterated Japan’s commitment to continue supporting Bangladesh’s development progress and expressed deep condolences for the deaths and injuries of those killed and injured in July. At the meeting, the Chief Advisor highlighted the importance of the Matarbari project, calling it the most important area for the country’s future, and stressed Bangladesh’s maritime potential. He said, “I had said in my discussions with the JICA President in Japan that we want to transform into a maritime economy.” Dr. Yunus requested for increasing scholarship opportunities in Japan for Bangladeshi youth as well as increasing employment opportunities. The Chief Advisor said, “Many young people want to go to work in Japan. The problem is the language. We have proposed that Japanese teachers come here, or that our people be taught Japanese language and workplace manners through distance learning.”