Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, transport modernization, and mass rapid transit initiatives, including the metro rail network.

The consensus was reached on Tuesday during a courtesy meeting between Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping, and Railways Sheikh Robiul Alam and visiting Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. UNO Yoshimasa, held at the Road Transport and Highways Division conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Welcoming the Japanese envoy, Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam expressed deep appreciation for Japan's longstanding partnership in Bangladesh's developmental journey. He noted that Japanese expertise, advanced technology, and technical cooperation are instrumental in shaping safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly public transport systems, particularly in expanding the metro rail network.

The minister underscored that the government is advancing long-term strategic plans to overhaul the country's communication infrastructure, emphasizing that Japan's experience will be invaluable in fostering an integrated and commuter-friendly transit network. He expressed confidence that the friendly ties between the two nations will reach new heights through expanded collaboration in mutually beneficial sectors.

In response, Japanese Prime Minister's Special Advisor Mr. UNO Yoshimasa lauded Bangladesh's rapid economic growth and urbanization, stating that modern and resilient public transport infrastructure is critical to sustaining this momentum. He affirmed Japan's readiness to share its advanced technological capabilities and technical skills, adding that both nations will continue to work closely on road transport, rail networks, and metro infrastructure projects.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque and Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Md. Shawgatul Alam.