Tokyo Deepens Cooperation with Dhaka Following PM’s Visit to Japan
The visit of Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman to Japan has opened new chances to strengthen ties between the two countries. In line with this, the Japanese government is moving ahead with several development works in Bangladesh. Japan is increasing its help in transport and energy. It is also working to deepen the Bangladesh Japan strategic partnership.
As part of this, Japan’s Ambassador to Dhaka, Mr. Saida Shinichi, joined the signing of key contracts for Dhaka Metro Rail Line 1. He also visited the Meghnaghat power plant. He attended the signing of four packages under the Dhaka Mass Transit Development Project: CP 04, CP 06, CP 09 and CP 10. Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque was present at the event.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Mr. Md. Shawgatul Alam was also there. JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Ms. Junko Takahashi and representatives of the contractor companies joined as well. Mr. Saida recalled the seven Japanese citizens who worked on the early stage of Metro Rail Line 1.
Those seven people lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Dhaka in July 2016. Mr. Saida spoke of their sacrifice. He stressed that long term cost and maintenance must be considered when building key infrastructure.
He said development projects like the Metro Rail play an important role in strengthening the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan. He also urged speedy steps so that construction can start soon. The joint statement issued after the Japan Bangladesh summit on 27 October also stressed this point.
Earlier, Mr. Saida visited the Meghnaghat power plant run by JERA Meghnaghat Power Limited. The plant runs on gas. He toured its different facilities and was briefed on how it operates.
The plant began commercial production in 2025. It runs on JERA’s long experience in operating and maintaining thermal power plants in Japan. During the visit, Mr. Saida said he hopes cooperation and partnership in the energy sector will grow further, based on mutual trust.
He urged both sides to use the good momentum created by the Prime Minister’s Japan visit. The aim is to take the strategic partnership of the two countries forward. It is believed these Japanese steps in transport and energy will help Bangladesh’s development and make bilateral ties stronger.
