Dhaka: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Bangladesh have inked a Grant Agreement (G/A) for the 2026 Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) programme. This agreement will enable 33 government officials to pursue higher studies at Japanese universities.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the agreement was signed by JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Takahashi Junko and Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky at a ceremony held in Dhaka. Under this agreement, JICA will provide up to JPY 567 million, which is approximately US$3.51 million, to fund the scholarship programme.
Out of the 33 officials selected, 30 are set to pursue master’s degrees, while three will engage in doctoral studies at esteemed Japanese universities. The JDS programme aims to empower promising young government officials by offering them postgraduate study opportunities in Japan. This initiative is designed to enhance human resource capabilities, thereby aiding the formulation and implementation of policies crucial for Bangladesh’s socio-economic development.
In addition to academic pursuits, JDS fellows will have the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, traditions, cuisine, and environment. Since its inception in 2002, the programme has benefited a total of 623 Bangladeshi government officials with JDS scholarships, fostering a bridge of educational and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The formal exchange of notes for the project was previously signed by Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, marking a continued collaboration between the two countries in human resource development.