BSS: Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Ito Naoki has said his country is keen to “seize opportunity” to join Bangladesh government’s ongoing construction efforts of second Padma Bridge while the first one was built due to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s “far-sighted vision and political astuteness”.
“I am sure that once the second Padma Bridge became reality, Japanese government and JICA will be in a position to consider the possibility of participation in the construction efforts by this government,” he told a group of selected journalists at his residence on Tuesday.

The envoy said right now the Japanese government’s position is “We should seize the opportunity to offer our cooperation (in building the second Padma Bridge) to the government of Bangladesh”.
“I am sure that it (Padma Bridge) is going to be very impactful, successful … so the second Padma Bridge will be a reality,” he said. Ito said whenever there is a possible participation to do quality infrastructure in Bangladesh, Tokyo remain ready to provide good technology while Japan so far provided assistance to build 134 small and large bridges all over Bangladesh.

“This (Padma Bridge) is a wonderful milestone of the development journey of Bangladesh as it has been done on its (Bangladesh’s) own initiative and funding,” he said while extending his heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Bangladesh for completion of the Padma Bridge.

Terming the Padma Bridge as a national dream and pride which demonstrates what Bangladesh can do for its economic development and stability, the envoy said it would truly fulfill the growth potential of Bangladesh.