An Assessment of Japan’s ODA to Bangladesh: Changing to a New Height of Relations

Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) has long played an important role in Japan’s diplomacy, contributing significantly toward stability and economic development of less developed nations of Asia. This paper analyzes Japan’s ODA to Bangladesh, focusing specifically on its transformation over the past three decades in response to the changing needs and priorities of the two countries. The paper highlights the uniqueness of Japanese ODA to Bangladesh and critically examines the gaps between policy and practice that occasionally hindered effective utilization of ODA. It suggests new directions that Japan’s ODA may take in the future, more compatible and mutually beneficial to the goals and interests pursued by the two countries.