Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has sought Japan's cooperation in the reform and restructuring of Bangladesh Police.
The Minister requested this assistance when the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, SAIDA Shinichi, called on him at his office at Secretariat this morning.
The Minister said, "Japan is a tested friend and one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. The country has invested in several major projects, including Metrorail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency),” he said.
“There are many areas of cooperation with Japan. Japan has previously worked on the traffic safety of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). In the future, Japan can provide support in police reform and restructuring. We will provide several formal proposals in this regard," he added.
During the meeting, various issues of mutual interest including law and order, security, police restructuring, traffic control, trade, and investment were discussed.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister welcomed the Ambassador and the Ambassador congratulated the Minister on assuming his new portfolio.
Assuring Japan's continued cooperation in the infrastructural development of Bangladesh, the Ambassador said, "The Traffic Safety Project of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) was completed last year.
We are interested in further collaboration with the Police and the DMP."
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, the Ambassador urged enhanced security for Japanese nationals in Bangladesh.
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The minister assured full protection for all Japanese citizens, including investors and businesspeople and said any request from Japan would receive the highest priority.
The meeting was attended by Rebeca Khan, Joint Secretary (Political-1) of the Ministry of Home Affairs; KOMINE Ken, First Secretary (Political) of the Japanese Embassy; MOCHIDA Yutaro, First Secretary (Economic), among others.