Japanese entrepreneur to set up driving school in Bangladesh to recruit manpower

Japanese entrepreneur and politician Miki Watanabe plans to launch a driving school in Bangladesh to train and recruit thousands of skilled drivers for Japan.

The founder of the Watami Group made the announcement during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna yesterday evening, according to a statement issues today by the CA's press wing.

"We are now looking for a 2,000 square metre area to set up a driving school," Watanabe told Yunus, adding that there is a high demand for qualified drivers in Japan and Bangladesh could become a key source of such manpower.

Responding immediately, the CA directed officials to identify suitable land for the proposed driving school, preferably on the outskirts of Dhaka.

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The meeting followed up on Yunus' official visit to Japan in May, during which Japanese entrepreneurs signed an agreement with Bangladeshi authorities to recruit 100,000 workers from Bangladesh over the next five years.

Watanabe, a long-time admirer of Yunus' work, informed the meeting that he had already established a language training academy in Monohordi, Munshiganj, to train and recruit at least 3,000 Bangladeshi workers.

"Fifty-two workers have already gone to Japan to work in the construction and agriculture sectors," Watanabe said. He added that the academy currently trains 40 students per session but will gradually expand its facilities and network across the country.

The chief adviser emphasised the importance of teaching Japanese etiquette, decorum, and cultural values as part of the academy's curriculum.

"It will help Bangladeshis understand Japan deeply and prepare them better before they visit the country," Yunus said.

Yunus also encouraged Watanabe to expand training programmes in care-giving, nursing, construction, and farming, noting that skilled workers in these fields can earn significantly higher wages in Japan.

Watanabe replied positively to the chief adviser's request.

He also praised the newly established Japan Cell in the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, which facilitates cooperation between Japanese investors and Bangladeshi institutions.

He expressed interest in setting up another training centre in or near Dhaka, to make it easier for Japanese companies to visit without travelling long distances to Monohordi.

The chief adviser immediately instructed officials to locate a ready facility -- such as an unused IT park -- that could be quickly transformed into a Japanese language and vocational training centre with minimal investment.

Professor Yunus also called for greater efforts to increase the number of Japanese language proficiency tests held in Bangladesh, noting that Japan requires overseas recruits to demonstrate adequate language skills. Currently, the tests are held only twice a year, which he said is insufficient to meet growing demands.

During the meeting, Watanabe fondly recalled establishing a school in Narayanganj more than a decade ago, inspired by Yunus' vision for a poverty-free world.

"The school now has 1,500 students. It's a wonderful institution -- the students are amazing and doing very well," Watanabe said.