Japan, Bangladesh partner to establish language, 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 collaboration was signed in Dhaka on Thursday.

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

The four organisations will contribute complementary expertise and resources to the initiative. 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 resource 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 help connect 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, helping provide the infrastructure required to deliver the proposed training programmes.

Rahimafrooz will extend strategic support to the partnership, contributing to its broader objective of youth development, social responsibility, and the creation of dignified employment pathways, while supporting collaboration among the participating organisations.

The MoU was signed by Jun Kato, president and CEO 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.

The signing ceremony was attended by Aya Yoshida, minister of the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.

Speaking on the occasion, Jun Kato said, “We recognise 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.”

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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.”

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

The proposed centre represents a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between skills development and employment opportunities. By combining Japanese employment-sector expertise, targeted social development, institutional learning facilities, and strategic private-sector support, the partners aspire to create a practical pathway for young Bangladeshis to develop their capabilities, access meaningful employment, and build more secure and self-reliant futures.