Dhaka, Oct. 27 -- Prominent Japanese entrepreneur and politician Miki Watanabe is keen to establish a driving school in Bangladesh to help recruit thousands of skilled drivers for employment in Japan.

Watanabe, founder of the Watami Group, made the announcement during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday.

"We are now looking for a 12,000-square-metre area to set up a driving school," Watanabe told the Chief Adviser, adding that there is a high demand for qualified drivers in Japan and that Bangladesh could become a key source of such manpower.

Responding immediately, the Chief Adviser directed officials to identify suitable land for the proposed driving school, preferably on ...