A delegation from JICA met today with the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping, Sheikh Rabiul Alam, in the conference room of the Ministry of Shipping at the Secretariat. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Feb 24, 2026 (BSS) - Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam today said infrastructure projects would play a vital role in accelerating the country's economic growth, enhancing regional connectivity and expanding international trade.

"The projects must be completed within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining quality standards," he told at a meeting with a delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the conference room of the Ministry of Shipping at the Secretariat here.

A three-member JICA delegation, led by its Bangladesh Office Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide, attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the overall activities and progress of several important mega projects implemented and underway in Bangladesh's transport sector with JICA financing were discussed in detail.

The projects discussed included the Matarbari Deep Sea Port Development Project, metro rail operated under the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, Chattogram-Cox's Bazar development project, construction of the second Kanchpur Bridge, second Meghna Bridge, second Gumti Bridge and the Jamuna Railway Bridge, among others.

The delegation briefed the minister on the implementation status, progress, timelines and future work plans of the projects.

The JICA delegation congratulated the newly appointed minister and expressed optimism that landmark changes would be achieved in the country's transport sector under his leadership.

The minister sought continued cooperation from JICA and expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their outstanding role in developing Bangladesh's communication system and transport sector.

Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque and Shipping Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury, among other senior officials of the concerned ministries, were present at the meeting.