JICA to Launch ICT Human Resource Project in Bangladesh
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced a new project centered on Bangladesh to develop ICT-focused human resources. The initiative will be implemented with the cooperation of local governments, companies, and universities from both countries, according to JICA Executive Senior Vice President Miyazaki Katsura.
He shared this information during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday, July 3, at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. Miyazaki noted that the project is part of Japan’s support for Bangladesh as it prepares for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. JICA is already assisting in reform efforts across the judiciary, public administration, local governance, and the health sector.
Describing Bangladesh as “one of Japan’s key partners in Asia,” Miyazaki reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting the country’s development journey. Referring to recent unrest, he added, “We are deeply saddened for those who died and were injured in the July movement.”
During the discussion, Dr. Yunus urged Japan to strengthen cooperation in areas including investment, fisheries, humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees, education, and youth development.
Praising the longstanding friendship between Japan and Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus said, “Japan has always been a reliable friend of Bangladesh. I recently visited your country. My delegation and I were deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality we received.”
Highlighting the importance of the Matarbari project, Dr. Yunus described it as “the most crucial development zone for the country's future” and emphasized the vast potential of Bangladesh’s maritime economy.
“I told the JICA president during my visit to Japan that we aspire to transform into a blue economy,” he added.
Dr. Yunus also requested more scholarships and employment opportunities in Japan for Bangladeshi youth. “Many young people want to work in Japan, but the language is a barrier. We have proposed that Japanese language instructors come here, or that our youth be trained through remote learning platforms in language and workplace culture.”
Expressing concern over the situation of Rohingya refugees, Dr. Yunus said, “It’s a heartbreaking scenario. Thousands of young people are growing up in the camps without hope. They are becoming frustrated and angry.”
Responding to the concerns, Miyazaki reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to assist in Bangladesh’s LDC transition and institutional reform efforts.
He also elaborated on the new ICT human resource development project, which will be jointly carried out by local governments, companies, and universities from both nations.
Addressing youth development, Dr. Yunus spotlighted the growing success of women in sports. “Our girls are winning everywhere. Just yesterday, they won again and advanced to the final. We are expanding hostel facilities, but they also need health and training support,” he said.
Miyazaki responded positively and stated that Japan is already sending volunteers for school projects in many countries and would consider supporting women’s sports in Bangladesh.
At the end of the meeting, Dr. Yunus thanked Japan for the recently signed $1 billion loan and grant agreement to support economic reforms, railway development, and human capital growth. He also requested that Japan increase its annual Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 300 billion yen to 450 billion yen to facilitate further development projects.
