Commerce Minister sees high potential in EPA with Japan

Collected Photo

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday (October 27) stated that Japan remains a crucial bilateral trade partner for Bangladesh, expressing optimism that the recently completed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two nations will significantly boost Japanese investment.

He also voiced hope that the Prime Minister’s upcoming official visit to Japan would open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

The Commerce Minister made these remarks while addressing reporters after inaugurating the internal sports competition of the Electronic Media Journalists Association (EMJA) in Sylhet on Tuesday.

Detailing various regional development initiatives aimed at transforming Sylhet into a modern and livable city, Muktadir noted that Sylhet held a special place in the heart of the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He announced that a world-class modern park will be constructed in her memory at the site of the old central jail during the current government’s tenure.

The minister also revealed plans for constructing a hanging bridge adjacent to the historical Keane Bridge, noting that a feasibility study is currently underway and project implementation will commence upon receiving the report.

Furthermore, Muktadir highlighted that expansion works on the Badaghat Bypass and the Sylhet-Dhaka Highway are progressing steadily, with the full impact of these projects expected to become visible by 2028.

He added that the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) is actively working to revitalize Jalalabad Park to enhance the city’s urban greenery.