The government recently finalised the concessional loan deals worth $1.18bn with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The deals are set to secure the implementation of five projects, which encompass factors such as improvements to city governance, flood management, and agricultural productivity.
This is a welcome vote of confidence towards the future of Bangladesh, and a further indicator of the longstanding friendly relations shared by our nations.
While the goals which the government hopes to achieve through the use of this money are focused, pressing, and relevant enough, it should make sure that the funds are used to meet these objectives and are not spent unscrupulously.
It is also imperative that concrete and timely dates are set for the implementation of the announced projects, and for the bodies concerned to make good on those dates.
While time is an important factor, the government should also make sure that these projects are handled with delicate care. There is no room for unnecessary bureaucracy or intra-body infighting to hinder the implementation of these projects.
Through the finalisation of these loans, the government of Japan has shown much faith in Bangladesh. It is up to us to put that faith to good use for the sake of our economy, and future relations with Japan. We cannot afford to abuse this trust.
