A Japanese governmental agency that carries out aid projects in developing nations may withdraw from Bangladesh after seven Japanese workers were killed Saturday in a terrorist attack in the capital, Dhaka.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency is involved in dozens of projects in the South Asian nation, including building bridges, roads and railways and improving water and sanitation systems.
A JICA spokeswoman said the agency is considering withdrawing from Bangladesh after the most recent killings.
The seven Japanese who were confirmed dead included three engineers sent by Oriental Consultants Global Co. and another from Katahira & Engineers International. Both firms are based in Tokyo.
One Japanese person was rescued from the cafe where the attack took place, officials said.
“All of the victims had been in Bangladesh and were eager to aid the country,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters Sunday. “This is a matter of greatest regret,” he added.
JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka said those dispatched to Bangladesh had been advised to remain extra vigilant after a Japanese citizen was killed in the northern part of the country in October.
According to JICA’s latest annual report, Japan spent ¥49.3 billion ($479 million) on aid projects in Bangladesh between April 2014 and March 2015, including grants. The agency “has implemented assistance programs which will accelerate economic growth and help overcome the vulnerability” that Bangladesh is facing today, it said.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda said Monday that victims’ family members and government officials, including JICA staff, had arrived in Dhaka. Japan has asked the local government to offer support in returning the deceased to Japan as soon as possible, he said.
Source: Dhaka Tribune