Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has sought Japan’s cooperation in reforming and restructuring the Bangladesh Police to strengthen law enforcement capacity and institutional efficiency.
The request was made during a courtesy call by Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday morning.
Describing Japan as a “tested friend” and one of Bangladesh’s largest development partners, the minister highlighted Tokyo’s involvement in several landmark infrastructure projects, including the Metrorail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“There are many areas of cooperation with Japan. Japan has previously worked on traffic safety initiatives for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. In the future, Japan can extend support in police reform and restructuring. We will submit formal proposals in this regard,” Salahuddin Ahmed said.
The meeting covered a range of issues of mutual interest, including law and order, national security, police modernization, traffic management, trade, and investment.
At the outset, the minister welcomed the Ambassador, who congratulated him on assuming his new portfolio.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment to Bangladesh’s infrastructural development and expressed interest in expanding collaboration with law enforcement agencies following the completion of the DMP Traffic Safety Project last year.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Hole Artisan Bakery attack this year, the Ambassador urged the government to take necessary measures to ensure the security of Japanese nationals residing in Bangladesh.
In response, Salahuddin Ahmed assured full security for Japanese citizens, including investors and businesspersons, stating that any request from the Japanese side would receive the highest priority.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Rebeca Khan, joint secretary (Political-1) of the Ministry of Home Affairs; KOMINE Ken, first secretary (Political) of the Japanese Embassy; and MOCHIDA Yutaro, first secretary (Economic).
