Economy
Japan Grants 472 Million Yen to Bangladesh for HR Dev. Scholarship Program
The governments of Bangladesh and Japan have solidified their commitment to the implementation of “The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)” through the signing of an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement. In a recent press release, it was announced that Japan has granted ¥472 million (equivalent to approximately USD 3.38 million) to support the project in Bangladesh. The primary objective of this grant is to facilitate the education and professional growth of Bangladeshi officials while strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The Exchange of Notes was signed by Sharifa Khan, the Secretary to the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the Ministry of Finance, and IWAMA Kiminori, the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh. Additionally, ICHIGUCHI Tomohide, the Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh, signed the Grant Agreement on behalf of the Government of Japan.
“The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)” has been operational since 2001 under the supervision of the ERD and is set to continue until 2025. The recently granted funds will be specifically dedicated to providing scholarships to various groups, including BCS cadre officers, Bangladesh Judicial Service officers, First Class Officers of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, and officials from Bangladesh Bank.
Beneficiaries of the scholarship program will have the opportunity to pursue Master’s and PhD courses at esteemed universities across Japan. The project has already facilitated the academic accomplishments of 414 officials who have successfully completed their Master’s degrees, while five officials have attained PhD degrees from reputable Japanese universities.
This grant highlights Japan’s commitment to supporting the human resource development of Bangladesh and fostering stronger ties between the two nations. The scholarships provided through “The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)” will undoubtedly contribute to the professional growth and capacity building of Bangladeshi officials, ultimately benefiting the country’s overall development.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
