Home minister seeks Japan’s support for Bangladesh Police reform

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has sought Japan's cooperation in reforming and restructuring Bangladesh's police force.

Salahuddin made the request when Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi paid a courtesy call on him at the home ministry today (3 March), reads a ministry press release.

The minister said Japan is a friend of Bangladesh and one of its largest development partners. 

Through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), Japan has invested in several major projects in Bangladesh, including the metro rail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he noted.

"Japan has previously worked on traffic safety with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. There is a significant scope for Japan to assist in the future reform and restructuring of the police. We will be submitting several formal proposals in this regard," the minister said.

The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including law and order, security, traffic management, and bilateral trade and investment.

At the outset, the home minister welcomed the ambassador, while the ambassador congratulated him on assuming his new portfolio.

Reaffirming Japan's continued support for Bangladesh's infrastructure development, the ambassador said the DMP's traffic safety project was completed last year and expressed interest in further collaboration with the police and the DMP.

With the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan attack approaching this year, the ambassador requested that the ministry ensure enhanced security measures for Japanese citizens residing in Bangladesh.

In response, the home minister assured the envoy that the government is fully prepared to provide comprehensive security to Japanese investors, businesspeople, and residents. Any request from Japan would be given the highest consideration, he added.