Dhaka, Mar 03 (V7N) — Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has sought Japan’s cooperation in reforming and restructuring Bangladesh’s police force.

The request was made when Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shin-ichi paid a courtesy call on the minister at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday (March 3) morning.

During the meeting, the Home Minister described Japan as a trusted friend and one of Bangladesh’s largest development partners. He noted that Japan has invested in several major infrastructure projects in the country, including the Dhaka Metrorail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

He also mentioned that Japan had previously worked on traffic safety initiatives for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). “Japan can extend cooperation in police reform and restructuring in the future. We will place some suitable proposals in this regard,” the minister said.

The meeting discussed a range of bilateral issues, including law and order, security cooperation, police restructuring, traffic management, trade and commerce, and investment.

The Japanese ambassador assured continued support for Bangladesh’s infrastructure development and said that the traffic safety project for the DMP was successfully completed last year. “We are eager to expand cooperation further with the police and DMP,” he added.

Referring to the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan attack this year, the ambassador requested enhanced security measures for Japanese citizens residing in Bangladesh.

In response, the Home Minister assured that the government is fully prepared to ensure the safety of all Japanese nationals in the country, including investors and businesspersons. “We are ready to provide security to all Japanese citizens living in Bangladesh. Any request from Japan will be considered with utmost importance,” he said.

END/SMA/AJ