United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said Bangladesh aims to turn its long-standing friendship with Japan into a powerful engine of economic opportunity and shared prosperity, inviting Japanese investors and businesses to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh. “Our ambition is clear: to turn this friendship between our two nations into a powerful engine of economic opportunity and shared prosperity. Together, let us build a partnership that serves our peoples today and creates a lasting legacy for generations to come,” he said at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei, in Tokyo.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi held their bilateral summit in Tokyo on Tuesday to strengthen the two countries’ strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation in key sectors. The talks were held at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei, from 11:45am local time. Earlier, Takaichi warmly welcomed Tarique at the Kantei upon his arrival. He was also accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the Japanese armed forces. After the ceremony, Takaichi introduced members of her cabinet to Tarique, who in turn introduced the members of his delegation to the Japanese Prime Minister. The two leaders are now making a joint announcement on the outcome of their talks. Takaichi is scheduled to host a luncheon in honour of Tarique from 12:30pm to 1:10pm. At the beginning of the lunch, she is scheduled to deliver a brief welcome remark and propose a toast, followed by a short reply and return toast from Tarique. Tarique is leading a high-level delegation comprising Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad. Other delegation members include Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party acting Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi and Am Janatar Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman are also accompanying the Prime Minister. The two countries’ national flags were displayed along the road leading to the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office to welcome Tarique. Tarique then signed the visitors’ book at the entrance to the main hall of the building before the two leaders sat down for bilateral talks. The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning on a four-day visit at the invitation of Takaichi. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone Yasutaka. This is Tarique’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China on state visits and travelled to New York, the United States, in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi began their bilateral summit in Tokyo on Tuesday to strengthen the two countries’ strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation in key sectors. The talks began at 11:45am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei. Earlier, Takaichi warmly welcomed Tarique at the Kantei upon his arrival. A contingent of the Japanese armed forces also accorded him a guard of honour. After the ceremony, Takaichi introduced members of her cabinet to Tarique, who in turn introduced the members of his delegation to the Japanese Prime Minister. The two leaders are scheduled to hold talks until 12:10pm. They will make a joint announcement on the outcome of their talks at 12:15pm. Takaichi will later host a luncheon in honour of Tarique from 12:30pm to 1:10pm. At the beginning of the lunch, she is scheduled to deliver a brief welcome remark and propose a toast, followed by a short reply and return toast from Tarique. According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral relations, expanding business, trade and investment, Japanese cooperation in various sectors and international issues. The two sides are also expected to explore cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation, skills development and human resource development.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday warmly welcomed her Bangladesh counterpart Tarique Rahman at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei, in Tokyo. Takaichi received Tarique when he arrived at the office at 11:32am local time, ahead of their bilateral summit. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Japanese armed forces then accorded Tarique a guard of honour. The Bangladesh Prime Minister inspected the guard as the national anthems of the two countries were played. After the ceremony, Takaichi introduced members of her delegation to Tarique, who in turn introduced the members of his delegation to the Japanese Prime Minister. The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on strengthening the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, expanding trade and investment, and exploring cooperation in various sectors. Takaichi is also scheduled to host a luncheon in honour of Tarique following the summit. The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday on a four-day state visit at the invitation of Takaichi. His wife Dr Zubaida Rahman is accompanying him.

Mia Sattar, a Bangladesh-born Russian businessman and head of National Group, has been appointed chairman of the newly established Russia-Bangladesh Business Council. The organisational meeting of the council was recently held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation in Moscow, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka said on Monday. The council will serve as an aide to the Russia-Bangladesh Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Its main tasks will include analysing the market, identifying promising areas of cooperation and finding barriers to market entry. Vladimir Padalko, vice president of the chamber, chaired the meeting. Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Russia, along with representatives of Russia's Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Economic Development, attended the event. 

The government has changed the Bangla name of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to ‘Nari O Shishu Bishoyok Montronaloy’ (Ministry of Women and Children Affairs). The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Monday (October 26), formally changing the ministry’s Bangla name. The notification was subsequently published in the gazette. According to the notification, the ministry’s Bangla name has been changed to ‘Nari O Shishu Bishoyok Montronaloy’, while its English name, ‘Ministry of Women and Children Affairs’, remains unchanged. Earlier, the Cabinet approved the proposal to change the ministry’s Bangla name at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on October 18.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Japan offers an important opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and build a long-term partnership based on mutual interests. “The visit will play a significant role in further strengthening Bangladesh-Japan relations, expanding trade and attracting Japanese investment, as the international community shows growing interest in Bangladesh’s current government,” he said. Humaiun Kobir made the remarks at a press conference at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo at night, briefing reporters on the first day of the Prime Minister’s four-day visit to Japan. He said Tarique Rahman held extended discussions with senior officials on how to make the day’s programmes as effective as possible for Bangladesh’s interests, despite arriving in Tokyo after a long journey. “The Prime Minister then attended a series of engagements after taking only a light meal.” The state minister said the Prime Minister’s energy and determination to prioritise national interests were evident from the first day of the visit. Recalling the historical ties between Bangladesh and Japan, he said the relationship developed during the time of late President Ziaur Rahman, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s visits to Japan also helped strengthen bilateral ties. Tarique Rahman's current visit is an important initiative to take the relationship to a new level, Humaiun Kobir added. On Monday, the Prime Minister held a meeting with a delegation of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League led by its President and former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. Senior leaders of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and other representatives were also present. The meeting featured discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, increasing Japanese investment, expanding trade and transferring technology, Humaiun Kobir said. He said Tarique Rahman recalled Aso’s long experience in promoting Bangladesh’s development and bilateral relations and urged him to use that experience to help create an investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh. The state minister said the Prime Minister also invited Aso to visit Bangladesh. Highlighting the scope for Japanese investment and economic cooperation, he said Tarique Rahman also met Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki, who is also president of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation. Humaiun Kobir said they discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation, increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh and implementing the recently signed Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Potential investment areas included information and communication technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, fertiliser production and industrial modernisation, he said. Cooperation in modernising Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited and the possibility of establishing a second fertiliser factory in Bangladesh were also discussed, the state minister said. He said Tarique Rahman emphasised the need to make use of new investment opportunities to expand commercial ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister also met Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Tanaka Akihiko and called for continued Japanese support for Bangladesh’s development projects. The discussions covered continued cooperation in infrastructure and economic development, as well as expediting ongoing projects, Humaiun Kobir said. He said the Prime Minister highlighted opportunities for Japanese investment in technological innovation, agricultural modernisation, agro-processing and light engineering. The  state minister said he also called for stronger Japanese cooperation to enhance Bangladesh’s energy security and capacity. The JICA president expressed optimism about continuing the agency’s support for Bangladesh’s development, he added. The Prime Minister also attended a dinner hosted by Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation. Humaiun Kobir said Sasakawa, who previously visited Bangladesh, has shown interest in the country’s development activities. He said the visit is expanding engagement with representatives of the Japanese government and private sector, with further important meetings and programmes scheduled in the coming days. The state minister expressed hope that these initiatives will open up new avenues for investment in Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh wants to build international partnerships based on mutual trust, transparency and accountability, with the government aiming to establish the country as a strong destination for investment and business by harnessing its economic potential. Humaiun Kobir expressed optimism that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh-Japan relations will deepen further and create new economic opportunities for the people of both countries. PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, and senior officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo were present at the press conference.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has discussed possible cooperation with the Nippon Foundation in setting up a vaccine manufacturing plant in Bangladesh to help control infectious diseases. The issue was discussed at a dinner hosted in honour of the Prime Minister by Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, in Tokyo on Monday night. “The discussions also covered possible cooperation in setting up a vaccine manufacturing plant in Bangladesh to help control infectious diseases,” Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin said. The dinner was held at Hanagasumi Restaurant at Meiji Kinenkan, he said. Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman also attended the dinner. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan and Protocol Officer-2 Kamrul Islam were present. Nippon Foundation Executive Director Takashi Arikawa and other senior officials also attended the dinner. During the dinner, Tarique Rahman recalled his meeting with Sasakawa in Dhaka in September and thanked him for his long-standing contributions to humanitarian assistance, education and public health sectors in Bangladesh. Sasakawa paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister during his visit to Bangladesh in September.

To meet the surging demand of travellers eager to visit the world's longest unbroken sea beach, Bangladesh Railway (BR) on Monday officially launched the operation of a third pair of trains on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route by extending the journey of the Mohanagar Express up to the coastal tourism hub. Railways, Road Transport and Bridges, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam inaugurated the extended service of the Mohanagar Express from the Dhaka Railway Station in Kamalapur. Prior to this addition, two train pairs—the Cox's Bazar Express and the Tourist Express—were operating on the 467.83-kilometer route since its inauguration in December 2023. The opening ceremony was attended by State Minister Habibur Rashid, Railways Ministry Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam, BR Director General Md. Afzal Hossain, and other senior officials. According to railway officials, unlike the existing trains, the Mohanagar Express will make stops at 12 stations along its route via Chattogram. Aside from the terminal stations of Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, the train will stop at Airport, Narsingdi, Bhairab Bazar, Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria, Akhaura, Kasba, Comilla, Laksam, Nangalkot, Feni, and Chattogram. The previous halt at Kumira Station has been discontinued with the route extension. Schedule and Operations: · Departure from Dhaka: 8:30 PM, arriving in Cox's Bazar at 6:00 AM. · Return Journey: Departs Cox's Bazar at 9:00 AM, arriving in Dhaka at 6:30 PM. · Travel Time: Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes in both directions. · Weekly Off-Day: The service will remain suspended on Sundays. · Maintenance Depot: Cox’s Bazar will serve as the rake base and depot for cleaning and watering services. BR authorities stated that the third service was introduced to accommodate surging passenger demand and fulfill the government’s election manifesto commitments regarding the expansion of intercity rail networks.

Police have arrested two journalists, including a staff reporter of a national daily, on charges of extortion and obstructing construction work at a government college in Jhenaidah on Monday. The arrestees were identified as Aritra Kumar Kundu, Staff Reporter of daily Protidiner Bangladesh, and Habibur Rahman Rubel, correspondent of Bangla-71. Aritra went to Government Nurunnahar Mahila College on Monday noon to inquire about the alleged selling of wall bricks and allegedly demanded Tk 50,000 in extortion from College Principal Bijon Kumar Sarkar. When the principal refused, Aritra threatened him, police said. As news spread, a group of locals gathered and physically assaulted Aritra and his associate Rubel. Detective Branch (DB) Police rescued them from the spot and took Aritra to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital for treatment before bringing them to the police station. Later in the afternoon, Principal Bijon Kumar Sarkar filed an extortion case against them. However, Aritra denied the allegations, claiming he went to report on brick smuggling from the college boundary wall. He alleged that he was called back to the campus from a nearby courier service and beaten up by a group of youths who later framed him with false charges. Additional Superintendent of Police Sheikh Billal Hossain said suspects were arrested in the case filed by the principal.