JICA Chief Representative in Bangladesh Takahashi Junko met Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain at his office here today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, August 19, 2026 (BSS) - A delegation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) met with Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain at his office here today.

JICA Chief Representative in Bangladesh Takahashi Junko led the delegation.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest including humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees, women’s education, gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, women’s economic empowerment and their participation in decision-making, adolescent healthcare, establishment of specialized schools for children with special needs and strengthening of DNA laboratory activities.

At the outset, the minister described Japan and JICA as ‘trusted friends’ of Bangladesh. He thanked the JICA for its partnership in country’s development over the last 50 years and expressed hope that the development and technical cooperation between the two sides would be further strengthened in the future.

The minister said the government is working to build an inclusive and humane Bangladesh by engaging people from all sections of society, including women and children. As part of this effort, plans have been taken to expand training centres at the upazila level to improve the livelihoods and skills of grassroots women. 

He sought JICA’s technical assistance in implementing the initiative, to which the JICA delegation responded positively.

Speaking about the social safety-net programme, the minister described the Family Card initiative as a significant project aimed at empowering women economically. He said the Family Card should not be viewed as a government expense, but rather as an effective and sustainable social investment.

According to the minister, women are using the funds received through the Family Card to purchase nutritious food and essential goods, meeting their children’s education and healthcare expenses and build small savings.

The minister also said there is growing global demand for skilled caregivers. 

Bangladesh wants to train caregivers in accordance with international standards and create employment opportunities abroad, he said and he sought Japan’s continued cooperation in this regard.

He also requested Japanese support for exporting traditional handicrafts made by rural Bangladeshi women to the Japanese markets.

JICA Chief Representative Takahashi Junko briefed the minister on JICA’s overall development activities in Bangladesh. 

She said JICA is actively involved in programmes for the welfare of women and children, skill development and support for marginalized communities in the Cox’s Bazar region, agriculture-based training for women and humanitarian activities in the Rohingya camps.

Takahashi expressed JICA’s firm commitment to further strengthening mutual cooperation in human-resource development and women’s empowerment here.

The JICA delegation also highly appreciated various initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh government to strengthen social protection.