DHAKA: Japan will provide USD 329 million, equivalent to 35 billion yen, to Bangladesh as grant to help the country combat coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made this announcement when he talked to her Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina over phone on Wednesday noon (August 5). 

Later PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed media. 

The Japanese premier informed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that their parliament has already approved the grant, said Ihsanul.

The phone conversation began around 1:05 pm and lasted nearly 25 minutes. 

The two premiers discussed issues related to COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral economic cooperation and the projects being implemented with Japanese assistance.

The press secretary said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought more investment from Japan to further bolster economic ties, as well as further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

As Sheikh Hasina apprised Shinzo Abe of the current Rohingya situation, the Japanese premier said that he would talk to the Myanmar leadership to solve the protracted Rohingya crisis, Ihsanul said.

Sheikh Hasina thanked Shinzo Abe for providing protective equipment like PPE, masks and goggles to Bangladesh to contain the transmission of COVID-19.

Bangladesh prime minister also hoped that the 2020 Summer Olympics, which was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic, will be held in 2021 in Japan on due time.

BDST: 1700 HRS, AUG 05, 2020
AP/SMS