Japan Extends $209 Million Budgetary Aid to BD

Bangladesh is actively negotiating a billion-dollar aid package with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Rohingya population and host communities.

Japan has provided approximately $2 billion in financial assistance to Bangladesh, making it the top contributor. However, bilateral trade faces challenges as Bangladesh exports goods worth $135 million but imports $277 million from Japan.

Japan aims to streamline the fund disbursement process to Bangladesh by requesting permission to open a single 'Grant Aid Projects Account' in a Japanese bank for managing funds across multiple projects. The move is prompted by the current complexity of opening separate bank accounts for each project, causing delays.

Germany will invest €25.5 million in three projects in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance the liveability of cities, improve access to justice for women, and strengthen institutions for climate change-adapted water resource management in Dhaka. The "Liveable and Inclusive Cities for All (LICA)" project, with funding of up to €5.5 million, focuses on sustainable, climate-adapted, and inclusive urban services. "

Japan will provide a grant aid of ¥575 million to Bangladesh's Armed Forces Division under the Official Security Assistance framework. The agreement aims to strengthen the capabilities of armed forces and related organizations.

Bangladesh has offered Sri Lanka medical assistance worth Tk10 crore in a demonstration of goodwill and support between the two nations. The donation, including medicines and medical equipment, acknowledges the challenges faced by both countries due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and recent regional tensions.