KOICA marks 30 years in Bangladesh at KBAA Night 2025
The KOICA Bangladesh Office celebrated three decades of friendship and partnership with Bangladesh at KBAA Night 2025, held at Hotel Sheraton Dhaka.
The annual gathering brought together 200+ participants, including KOICA alumni, government officials, development partners and representatives from KOICA projects, to commemorate 30 years of cooperation grounded in trust, respect and shared aspirations for sustainable development.
The event opened with a video presentation, "KOICA & Bangladesh – 30 Years of Friendship," highlighting KOICA's contributions since its Bangladesh programme began in 1995, spanning public administration and governance, public health, transport modernisation, TVET, and ICT innovation.
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Mr Jihoon Kim, KOICA Country Director, delivered the opening remarks, reaffirming KOICA's commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth. H.E. Mr Park Young-sik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, attended as Chief Guest, praising the enduring bilateral friendship and KOICA's growing development impact.
Leaders of the Korea Bangladesh Alumni Association (KBAA) reflected on KOICA's role in talent development and the contributions of Bangladeshi alumni across sectors after training and higher studies in Korea. Since 1993, over 2,600 Bangladeshi government officials have participated in KOICA fellowships and training, while more than 1,700 Korean volunteers have served in institutions across Bangladesh, deepening people-to-people ties.
In 2025, KOICA is facilitating capacity-building programmes in public finance, infrastructure development, social protection and technology-driven policy innovation — including "Capacity Building for ERD Officials in Bangladesh," "Strengthening Sustainable Infrastructure Development Capacity," and "Old-Age Income Security Systems," engaging 50+ participants this year.
The programme also featured the election of new KBAA Executive Members, a Best Field Case presentation and a cultural performance celebrating Bangladeshi heritage. Former Executive Committee members received Letters of Appreciation for their service.
In closing, Ms Sujin Kong, KOICA Deputy Country Director, thanked alumni and partners, noting that the partnership "goes beyond projects — it's about people, passion and progress." The evening concluded with a networking dinner, reaffirming KOICA and Bangladesh's shared vision of peace, prosperity and a sustainable future.
KOICA and Bangladesh — Together for 30 Years, together for the future.
