Using advanced technology for traffic management might be an effective solution to lessening congestions in major cities in Bangladesh giving those a smarter look, said Japanese Prof Naohiro Kitano here on Thursday.
He laid emphasis on a comprehensive and holistic approach combing land use planning, transportation planning and use of advanced technology to give cities a smart look.
Prof Kitano of Faculty of Science and Engineering Waseda University made the suggestions while delivering a lecture titled ‘Bangladesh-Japan Development Cooperation for Enhanced Connectivity’ at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium in the city.
BIISS Director General AKM Abdur Rahman delivered welcome address at the event organised by the BIISS and the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and Takeshi Ito of the Embassy of Japan were also present.
Prof Kitano laid emphasis on sharing experiences between the two countries saying Japanese government proposed the smart city by integrating city and transportation planning with ICT.
He also talked about Transit Oriented Development (TOD) around the station of Light Rail Transit (LRT) apart from focusing on various facilities and human activities are connected by ICT efficiently.
The Japanese Prof highlighted changing the landscape of development cooperation, Japanese official development assistance (ODA), Japan-Bangladesh development cooperation and Japan’s development experience and knowledge sharing.
He also touched upon ‘Pacific Belt Zone’ initiative, the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), development of Dhaka urban transport network and transport network development for regional connectivity.
Responding to a question, the Japanese expert said people-to-people contact is very important at every layer.
Prof Kitano said Bangladesh’s economic and social development has been remarkable. He focused on different aspects of mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan for further deepening the relations.
The Japanese Prof also focused on cooperation with Bangladesh in energy sector development, waste management, establishing economic zone and academic exchanges.
