Japan has signed a grant agreement of $5 million with Bangladesh for promoting quality primary education in the country, the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka said today.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ito Naoki, Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Fatima Yasmin and JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative, Hayakawa Yuho, signed the grant agreement and exchange of notes on the "Japanese Grant Aid for the Fourth Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP4)" at the ERD today.

Japan has been supporting PEDP -- a strategic plan for national development of primary education in Bangladesh -- in cooperation with other development partners since 2011, under the Sector Wide Approaches.

PEDP4 started in 2018, aiming to achieve three high-level outcomes -- improving academic achievement, establishing equitable access and participation, and enhancing management, governance and financing.

Japan has been providing support with a focus on improving the quality of primary education for all through strengthening policy, developing textbooks and teaching materials, strengthening school management and improving teacher's training.