Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s Executive Senior Vice President (ESVP) Dr. Junichi Yamada has recently visited Bangladesh. The primary objectives of his visit, spanning from July 2 to July 7, 2023, have been to attend the memorial ceremony organized on July 3 to commemorate the seven Japanese nationals who lost their precious lives in the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016 and to strengthen relations with the government of Bangladesh in the historic year of 50th anniversary of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Bangladesh implemented by JICA. Dr. Yamada met Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Finance Minister, Planning Minister, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and government officials during his stay.
During his stay, the JICA ESVP visited various sites of projects supported by JICA including the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), the Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power Project, the Matarbari Port, Terminal 3 at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Rohingya refugee camps, and Dhaka Metro (MRT) Line 6, where JICA and the Government of Japan have made significant contributions for the development of Bangladesh. Dr. Yamada was particularly impressed by the notable progress of the development works supported by JICA. Highlighting the 50th anniversary of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Bangladesh, he exchanged thoughts with the ministers and government officials on further strengthening JICA’s cooperation in Bangladesh’s development centering on industrial development and diversification, urban development, and inclusive development.
On July 6, Dr. Yamada met Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed important areas of cooperation. HPM Hasina praised JICA’s continued engagement in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development. Dr. Yamada said JICA is always committed to supporting Bangladesh to achieve its sustainable economic development. The meeting with HPM were also attended by His Excellency Mr. Kiminori Iwama, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. Tomohide Ichiguchi, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, Ms. Sharifa Khan, Secretary of Economic Relations Division, and Mr. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.
On July 3, Dr. Yamada attended the memorial ceremony to commemorate the seven Japanese nationals who lost their precious lives in the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016. In the ceremonial address, he expressed his deepest sadness and regret at the loss of all those who dedicated their invaluable time and efforts to the development of Bangladesh. He also stated that the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Development Project which the seven Japanese nationals have contributed to shines as one of the prime symbols of the enduring friendly relationship between both countries.
Earlier, Dr. Yamada went to the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEA) located in Araihazar of Narayanganj District, where development work was underway to attract foreign investors, particularly Japanese private companies. JICA has been funding infrastructure facilities at BSEZ, which includes access road, land development, and utility connection, supporting establishment of one stop service for approvals, and made equity investment. Once completed, BSEZ is expected to attract investments worth over USD 1 billion. Dr. Yamada also visited project sites in the area of the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI). The MIDI concept entails some 20 thousand acres of planned development to form an integrated economic hub for trade, investments, and energy. The concept is backed by the country’s maiden deep-sea port supported by JICA and is expected to be a game changer for Bangladesh’s economy.
During his visit to Rohingya camps, Dr. Yamada made on-site visits to activities of UNHCR, IOM and the Japanese Red Cross Society, and discussed current camp situations. He emphasized JICA’s aim to provide assistance to host communities and also support activities in camps in cooperation with international organizations, such as United Nations Volunteers.
Furthermore, he visited the site of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project that is currently under construction. Once completed, Terminal 3 will be able to cater for 12 million passengers per annum, which will double the airport’s existing capacity. In addition, a new cargo complex, multi-level car parking, and state-of-the-art supporting facilities are expected to provide a truly world class passenger experience.
