Published: 11:52 PM, 28 July 2026
Bangladesh, Japan agree to strengthen cooperation in transport infrastructure
Bangladesh and Japan on Tuesday agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, transport system modernization and the expansion of the mass transit sector, including metro rail services.
The understanding was reached during a courtesy call by Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan UNO Yoshimasa on Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division at the Secretariat, reports BSS.
The two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest, according to a press release. During the meeting, Rabiul expressed his sincere gratitude to UNO Yoshimasa for Japan's longstanding support for Bangladesh's infrastructure development and transport sector.
He said Japan's continued cooperation as a development partner is highly important for Bangladesh.
He added that Japan's experience, technological expertise and technical assistance are particularly valuable for Bangladesh in developing a modern, safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly mass transit system, including the metro rail.
The minister also said the government is implementing long-term plans to develop Bangladesh's transport infrastructure and modernize its public transport system.
He noted that the experience and cooperation of development partners such as Japan could play an important role in establishing an integrated, safe, people-friendly and environmentally sustainable transport system.
He expressed hope that the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan would be further strengthened in the coming days and that cooperation in areas of mutual interest would continue to expand.
Yoshimasa said it is essential to develop modern and sustainable mass transit infrastructure in line with Bangladesh's rapid urbanization and economic growth.
He said Japan's experience, advanced technology and technical expertise could be utilized more effectively in Bangladesh's development initiatives. Based on mutual trust and cooperation, the two countries could work more closely in the future on infrastructure development, metro rail, railway connectivity, road transport and other key sectors, he added.
He also reaffirmed that Japan would continue its cooperation in Bangladesh's ongoing development journey.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque and Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Md Shawgatul Alam were present at the meeting.
