DHAKA: Bangladesh will seek the Japanese government’s assistance on big infrastructural development in the country during Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina’s official visit there.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali told these in the press conference at the ministry on Saturday.

The minister said, “Japan’s economic and technical assistance is necessary for Bangladesh to become a middle income country by 2021.”

Mahmood said, “During the visit, assistance and funds will be sought on Ganga barrage, underwater tunnel construction in Jumuna bridges, parallel train line construction with Bangabandhu Bridge on Jamuna River, Eastern bypass road construction, river recovery project surrounding Dhaka.”

“A comprehensive partnership agreement may be singed between two countries,” the minister added.

A 109-delegation led-by the premier will leave Dhaka for Japan Saturday midnight. Of them, 45 are businesspeople. The delegation will return home on May 28.

BDST: 1322 HRS MAY 24, 2014