I assumed the position of Chief Representative of the JICA Bangladesh Office in March 2026. Since Bangladesh’s independence, Japan and Bangladesh have built a long-standing relationship founded on trust and friendship over more than fifty years. Building upon the efforts and dedication of those who have contributed to Bangladesh’s development throughout this period, I am committed to further strengthening the ties between our two countries and advancing meaningful and effective cooperation.

What comes to your mind when you think of Bangladesh?

While media reports have often highlighted poverty and natural disasters, Bangladesh today is at an important turning point in its development path.

At the time of its independence in 1971, Bangladesh had a per capita income of little more than USD 120, and its future prospects were extremely challenging. Since then, however, steadfast efforts by the people of Bangladesh, sustained economic growth and steady reforms have transformed the country. By 2026, per capita income will be expected to be increased to approximately USD 2,900. Alongside economic progress, significant improvements have been achieved in poverty reduction, education, health, and gender equality. At the same time, these development gains have been accompanied by serious challenges. Bangladesh is hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees who fled from Myanmar, placing additional demands on development efforts and humanitarian responses. The journey over the past half century has not been an easy one. Nevertheless, Bangladesh has continued to make steady progress, and its notable development trajectory is now widely recognized by the international community.

Situated at strategic crossroads connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh holds an important geographical and economic position. Driven by the development of export-oriented industries, particularly the garment sector, and supported by a large and young population of approximately 175 million people, the country has seen growing investment. In recent years, Japanese companies have increasingly expanded their presence in fields such as pharmaceuticals, construction, automobile production, ICT and consumer goods. The Government of Bangladesh also regards the promotion of foreign investment as a key policy priority, creating expectations for further economic growth.

In Dhaka, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system supported by JICA has become a vital part of urban mobility. Together with the operation of the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), large-scale infrastructure such as the new international airport terminal, and large scale regional development in the Matarbari area including the deep sea port, these initiatives are laying the foundation for the country’s next stage of growth.

JICA’s cooperation with Bangladesh dates back to 1973, when the first volunteers were dispatched to the country. Since then, JICA has worked closely with the Government and people of Bangladesh through technical cooperation for human resource development and institutional strengthening, yen loans for large-scale infrastructure in sectors such as transport and energy, and grant aid tailored to local needs. In recent years, JICA has placed particular emphasis on private sector development, industrial diversification, human capital development, and responses to climate change and disaster risks, supporting Bangladesh’s pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development.