In a good gesture of friendship and cooperation, the government of Japan has allocated a grant of approximately 575 million Japanese yen to Bangladesh under the newly formed Official Security Assistance program.
According to the ISPR, this grant aims to support and enhance Bangladesh Navy's capacity in maritime security and disaster management, reinforcing the deep and enduring bond between these two nations.
In this regard, a signing ceremony held at the Armed Forces Division in the capital Dhaka. The exchange note was signed there.
Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori affixed their signatures to the agreement on behalf of the respective governments.
This grant reflects Japan's commitment in strengthening regional security and disaster management capabilities.
It is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries, bound by shared values and a vision of a safer and more secure future.
The allocated grant will be used to bolster Bangladesh's preparedness and response capabilities in two important areas. Bangladesh will receive few boats under this program in 2023. Bangladesh's extensive coastline will benefit from improved security measures.
These will also strengthen Bangladesh’s disaster management capabilities and enable a more efficient and coordinated response to disasters such as cyclones, floods, and earthquakes, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The signing ceremony symbolizes a commitment to mutual progress and prosperity.
It is a testimony to the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, founded on principles of friendship, cooperation, and a shared vision for a safer, more secure, and resilient future.
OSA was established in 2023 as a new cooperation framework for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations of recipient countries with the aim of deepening our security cooperation with the countries, creating a desirable security environment, and contributing to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security, by enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities through the provision of equipment and supplies as well as assistance for the development of
infrastructure.
Bangladesh, as a “Strategic Partner” of Japan, is located in front of the Bay of Bengal which is one of important sea lanes for Japan. It is getting more and more important to improve capabilities for monitoring and surveillance, and disaster relief of Bangladesh Navy, which implements such operations and other related activities in the Bay of Bengal.
This programme enables to provide patrol boats to Bangladeshi Navy which is expected to strengthen its capabilities for monitoring and surveillance, and disaster relief and to contribute to maintenance and enhancement of maritime security not only in the Bay of Bengal but also a whole Indo-Pacific region.
