Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday described the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as one of Bangladesh's largest development partners and expressed hope that bilateral cooperation would be further strengthened in the coming years.

He made the remarks when JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Secretariat, according to a ministry press release.

The minister said JICA's contribution to Bangladesh's infrastructure development, local government system, safe water supply and public service sectors had been highly significant.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed Bangladesh's ongoing and future development plans, with particular emphasis on waste management, water management, capacity building in the local government sector and sustainable urban development.

Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh was moving forward rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, adding that the government was committed to implementing development projects efficiently.

He said the government was working closely with international development partners to build a more modern, effective and people-friendly local government system.

"JICA's experience, technical assistance and investment will play an important role in ensuring the country's sustainable development," he said.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan, Director General of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Md Mahmudul Hasan, and senior ministry officials were also present at the meeting.