JICA chief lauds social sector reforms

Kimio Fujita, President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), yesterday lauded the development programmes of the present government in various sectors including the social field, reports BSS.

Fujita particularly appreciated the social sector activities including the empowerment of women when he called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office at Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad.

The JICA chief was very happy to note that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is interested in the development process in the country.

Fujita described the economic cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh as "very productive". He also appreciated that Bangladesh has always responded very quickly to information needed for Japan-aided projects.

The JICA chief congratulated the Prime Minister for winning the UNESCO Peace Award and the CERES Award from the FAO and also for recognition of the 21st February as the International Mother Language Day.

Fujita, who visited the Meghna-Gumti project, said he came to know that five bridges on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway would be completed in next two months.

The Prime Minister welcomed the JICA chief in Bangladesh and said she would appreciate the construction of the Rupsha Bridge soon. She also mentioned Japan's support for construction of the Padma bridge.

ERD secretary Dr Mashiur Rahman was present at the meeting.