DHAKA : Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today mentioning the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as one of Bangladesh's largest development partners, expressed the hope that cooperation between Bangladesh and JICA will be further strengthened in the future.

He said JICA's contribution to the country's infrastructure development, local government system, safe water supply and various public service sectors is highly significant.

The minister made the remarks when JICA President Dr TANAKA Akihiko paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Secretariat, said a ministry release.

During the meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on the ongoing and future development plans of Bangladesh and JICA. They also exchanged views on various issues, particularly waste management, water management, capacity building in the local government sector and sustainable urban development.

The LGRD Minister said Bangladesh is moving forward rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said the Prime Minister wants to complete development works swiftly, adding that all are extending full cooperation under his leadership in implementing the country's development activities.

He also said the government is working in a coordinated manner with international development partners to make the local government system more modern, effective and people-friendly. 

In this regard, he said, JICA's experience, technical assistance and investment will play an important role in the country's sustainable development.

Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hassan, Director General of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Md Mahmudul Hasan, and senior ministry officials were present at the meeting.