Padma Bridge very important for Bangladesh, PM tells Japanese envoy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday said construction of Padma Bridge is very important for Bangladesh for the development of the country's southern part as well as regional connectivity, reports BSS. The Prime Minister said this when new Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shiro Sadoshima called on her at her official residence Gonobhaban, PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told reporters after the meeting. Sheikh Hasina thanked Japan for its commitment to providing US$ 670 million for construction of the Padma Bridge, water treatment plant in Khulna and small and medium enterprises (SME) projects. The Prime Minister welcomed the new envoy to Bangladesh and assured him of giving allout support in discharging his duties. Terming Japan as a trusted development partner, she said Dhaka and Tokyo maintain excellent bilateral ties. "The relations would be further deepened in the years to come," she hoped. Recalling Japan's early recognition to Bangladesh as an independent country, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh would celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan next year through colourful functions. She invited the Japanese Prime Minister through the envoy to visit Bangladesh during the celebrations. Shiro Sadoshima said his country, as a trusted friend, would always remain beside Bangladesh and extend allout support for its development. At that time, the envoy recalled the memory of Bangabandhu, saying he was so fortunate to see him during his early age when the great leader visited Japan in 1973. He also informed the Prime Minister of keenness of the Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh. The ambassador handed over letters of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and outgoing premier Naoto Kan to Sheikh Hasina.