Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul. File photo

DHAKA, Sept 2, 2025 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul described Japan as a time-tested friend of Bangladesh, saying the country is one of the few countries that recognised Bangladesh within two months of achieving its independence.

“Japan is a genuine and trusted friend of Bangladesh. The good relations existing between the two friendly countries -- Bangladesh and Japan -- are a unique example in the international arena today,” he said.

The adviser said this while meeting with a nine-member team of the Japanese Parliamentary League on ILO activities at his office at the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment in the city.

Secretary General of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and member of the House of Representatives Michihiro Ishibashi led the team. 

During the meeting, they exchanged views on issues related to bilateral interests, especially on sending skilled workers to Japan.

Recalling Japan's important contribution to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul said that Japan was the first country among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries to recognize independent Bangladesh on February 10, 1972. 

He said that every year at least one million workers from Bangladesh are getting employment opportunities abroad. 

“By working abroad these workers are playing an important role in the economic development of the country,” he added.

Asif Nazrul said that under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is determined to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration. 

He said that the country's workers are being prepared to meet the needs of the Japanese labour market through skill development, language training and cultural preparation. 

He highlighted the need to appoint Japanese trainers through JICA to ensure advanced training in the existing TTCs in the country.

During the meeting, Policy Adviser of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Zia Hassan delivered the keynote speech.