Japan-Bangladesh Partnership to Establish Japanese Language and Skill Development Centre

Japan’s ONODERA User Run Co. Ltd. will collaborate with the Centre for Zakat Management (CZM), the Institute of Islamic Social Finance (IISF) and Rahimafrooz to establish a Japanese Language and Skill Development Centre in Bangladesh.  A memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalising the partnership was signed in Dhaka on Thursday.

The initiative aims to equip young Bangladeshis, particularly those from underprivileged communities, with Japanese language proficiency, professional skills and an understanding of Japanese workplace culture. It seeks to help them access credible employment opportunities in Japan and Bangladesh and pursue sustainable livelihoods with dignity.

Under the partnership, the four organisations will contribute their respective expertise and resources. ONODERA User Run Co. Ltd. will lead Japanese language training, employment-oriented preparation and orientation to Japanese workplace culture, drawing on its experience in Japan’s human resources and employment sector.

CZM will facilitate the identification and engagement of eligible young people from underprivileged communities, support access to training and scholarships where appropriate, and link the initiative with its broader mission of sustainable poverty alleviation and social empowerment.

IISF will support the initiative through its institutional facilities and learning environment, providing infrastructure for the proposed training programmes. Rahimafrooz will offer strategic support, contributing to youth development, social responsibility and the creation of dignified employment pathways while facilitating collaboration among the participating organisations.

The MoU was signed by Jun Kato, president and chief executive officer of ONODERA User Run Co. Ltd.; Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah, chief executive officer of CZM; Arastoo Khan, vice chairman of IISF; and Niaz Rahim, group managing director of Rahimafrooz. Aya Yoshida, minister at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka, attended the signing ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Jun Kato said, “We recognize the diligence, commitment, and potential of young people in Bangladesh. Through this initiative, we aim to help them develop Japanese language proficiency, practical professional skills, and an understanding of Japanese workplace culture, preparing them for meaningful employment opportunities and successful integration into the workplace.”

Niaz Rahim said, “Bangladesh’s young people have enormous potential. By bringing together the complementary strengths of our partners, we hope to help connect their talent with international employment opportunities through relevant skills, language proficiency, responsible practices, and dignified work. We see this as an opportunity to contribute to youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods through a collaborative and purposeful initiative.”

Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah said, “Access to relevant skills, quality training, and credible employment opportunities can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and their families. Through this initiative, CZM aims to help young people from underprivileged communities overcome barriers to employment, enhance their capabilities, and move towards greater economic self-reliance and dignity.”

Aya Yoshida said Japan looked forward to welcoming skilled workers from international labour markets, including Bangladesh. She emphasised that Japanese language proficiency, relevant professional skills and an understanding of Japanese culture and workplace practices were important for aspiring workers preparing for employment in Japan.

The proposed centre represents a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between skills development and employment opportunities. By combining expertise from Japan’s employment sector, targeted social development, institutional learning facilities and private-sector support, the partners aim to help young Bangladeshis develop their capabilities, access meaningful employment and build more secure and self-reliant futures.