United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo to expand its investment in Bangladesh’s garment sector, particularly in man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable apparel, pledging government support for the expansion. The call came during a meeting with a delegation led by Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Fast Retailing Co Ltd, the parent company of Uniqlo, at 10:30am local time in Tokyo, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. Tarique praised Uniqlo’s trust in Bangladesh and its parent company’s longstanding business engagement with the country. The meeting discussed opportunities to increase investment in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry, with particular emphasis on man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable clothing production. They also discussed expanding cooperation in technology transfer, skills development, product innovation, advanced manufacturing systems and environment-friendly production processes. The Prime Minister said his government is ready to provide the necessary support to help Uniqlo expand its operations in Bangladesh. He also highlighted the government’s willingness to facilitate land arrangements, investment approvals and other necessary administrative clearances to support the company’s expansion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to open an office in Dhaka to strengthen investment and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan. The proposal came during a meeting with JBIC Governor Kazuhiko Amakawa in Tokyo at 9:30am local time. Both sides discussed investment and economic cooperation in Bangladesh’s energy, information and communication technology (ICT) and infrastructure sectors. Tarique expressed gratitude to JBIC for its support for Bangladesh’s economic development and investment in various sectors. He said his government has taken initiatives to reform and simplify regulations to ensure a business-friendly environment and attract both local and foreign investment. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investment-friendly policies and improving the business environment, noting that JBIC’s priority projects are aligned with the government’s development priorities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for stronger cooperation with Japan in energy, technology, infrastructure and investment, proposing a Bangladesh-Japan tech park and seeking Japanese support for major transport projects to accelerate the country’s economic transformation. At a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at her office, known as the Kantei, in Tokyo, Tarique urged the Japanese government and private sector to become more actively involved in Bangladesh’s economic development, technological advancement and industrialisation. The meeting also discussed plans to attract 1 trillion Japanese yen (US$6.3 billion) in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and ICT sectors, with an emphasis on sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to help implement the plan. Tarique said Bangladesh is working to become a regional hub for the economy, technology and manufacturing, expressing optimism that the country can become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030 and surpass a $1 trillion gross domestic product by 2034, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. The two leaders discussed strengthening the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, expanding trade and investment, ensuring energy security, advancing technology and space research, developing infrastructure, and enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues. The Prime Minister said Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh and recalled its early recognition of Bangladesh after independence in 1971 and its long-standing contribution to the country’s socioeconomic progress. He also recalled the visits to Japan by his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and the contributions of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening bilateral relations. He pledged to take the relationship to new heights. On energy security, Tarique Rahman stressed the need for reliable and affordable energy supplies to sustain economic growth. He thanked Japan for its long-standing support and referred to a recent 50 billion Japanese yen emergency support loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative. The Prime Minister called for greater Japanese investment and participation in liquefied natural gas infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy in Bangladesh. Technology and infrastructure To develop a technology-driven economy, Tarique proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with young Bangladeshi talent, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. He identified artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing as priority sectors for the proposed park. He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies. On infrastructure, the Prime Minister outlined plans to develop a modern, integrated transport network, including high-speed rail linking the country’s six major divisional cities and a nationwide network of elevated roads. He sought Japanese assistance in planning, technical support, investment and financing for these major infrastructure projects, saying Japan’s experience in infrastructure development and modern transport systems can help Bangladesh realise its ambitions. Trade and investment Welcoming new Japanese investment, Tarique said his government is committed to improving the investment climate by making regulations, tax policies, customs clearance and fund-transfer procedures more transparent, predictable and efficient. He also expressed hope for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing that both sides need to work together to ensure its benefits reach their people. Regional and international issues On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law. He thanked Japan for supporting the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and expressed hope for close cooperation in strengthening multilateralism and addressing global challenges. Reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, Tarique Rahman called for greater cooperation in regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth. He also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting Rohingya displacement crisis. He called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned. Appreciating Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to shelter forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the Prime Minister urged Tokyo to remain actively engaged with all parties to help restore peace and stability in Rakhine. He said a lasting solution to the crisis lies in Myanmar and stressed the need to ensure the Rohingyas’ early, safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation. Proposal for joint commission In his concluding remarks, Tarique said the summit will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations, built on deeper trust, broader economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity. He proposed establishing a ministerial-level joint commission to identify priority areas, accelerate implementation and turn cooperation opportunities into practical initiatives. The Prime Minister also called for closer engagement between the business communities of the two countries. He invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, expressing hope that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to deepen through mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity. The bilateral summit between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi began at 11:45am local time at the Kantei. The meeting followed a formal welcome at 11:30am, a guard of honour and the introduction of the two leaders’ respective delegations.

Japan is eying private investment of up to 1 trillion yen (about US$6.34 billion) in Bangladesh over the next five years, with the potential to create 200,000 jobs, as the two countries agreed to deepen economic cooperation, strengthen supply chains and upgrade their flagship development initiative to “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity”. The projection was announced in a joint statement following a bilateral summit between Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Tuesday. According to the statement, Sanae Takaichi welcomed the projection of Japanese private investment in Bangladesh, which can generate 200,000 jobs over the next five years, and praised the efforts of Tarique’s administration to promote foreign direct investment. The two leaders welcomed major investments expected to be announced during the visit and agreed on the importance of developing complementary and resilient supply chains in manufacturing, food and agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), and pharmaceuticals. Building upon past bilateral cooperation in the ICT sector, including IT & Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES), human resource development and digital collaboration, they underscored the importance of exploring further possibilities for cooperation to promote digital transformation, develop highly skilled ICT professionals, and secure and reliable digital connectivity. The two sides also welcomed the signing of the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), reaffirming their commitment to bringing it into force at an early date to boost bilateral trade and investment and support Bangladesh’s smooth and sustainable graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category. Recalling progress under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), the two leaders agreed to upgrade the initiative to “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” in response to changing global conditions, supply chain risks, rapid technological innovation and mounting social challenges.They noted that the "BIG-B for Shared Prosperity" aims to integrate the development of power, energy, deep-sea port, industrial and ICT infrastructure, build a major nexus for industrial value chains, develop into a trade and supply gateway and generate growth and prosperity, by enhancing connectivity, enhancing resilience against risks including natural disasters and geopolitical uncertainties, public-private partnership in co-creating opportunities for economic growth and rulemaking, and stepping up cooperation for peace and stability. The two leaders concurred on working together to develop the Matarbari-Maheshkhali area as a major hub for logistics, energy and industry, centred at the Matarbari Deep Sea Port. They also agreed to advance preparations for the early operationalisation of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and pursue the early construction of Dhaka's mass rapid transit (MRT) lines. They also agreed to discuss future cooperation on the operation and management of Matarbari Deep Sea Port. On energy security, the two leaders welcomed Japan’s 50 billion yen emergency support loan to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic resilience and ensure a stable energy supply. Tarique Rahman appreciated the loan, the first yen-loan project under Japan’s Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia), while Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure to help bridge the gap between supply and demand. As part of combating climate change, the two Prime Ministers underlined the deepening of cooperation between the two countries in the development of a long-term low-emission development strategy, increasing energy efficiency and energy capacity, and promoting renewable energy.They welcomed the signing of a letter of intent on climate change cooperation between their respective environment ministries. To improve the investment environment, Tarique Rahman highlighted his government’s initiatives and committed to facilitating it, including by enhancing rulemaking, transparency and predictability of the operational procedures related to taxation, customs clearance, remittances, and licensing. The leaders welcomed a memorandum of cooperation between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division on economic relations and the improvement of the business environment. They also welcomed two memorandums of cooperation to strengthen and expand mutual cooperation to enhance business and attract investment in the areas of food, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, as well as a proposed yen-loan project to improve the investment environment. The two leaders reiterated the importance of upholding a free, fair and rules-based international economic order. In this context, they welcomed the signing of the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and reaffirmed their commitment to the early entry into force of the agreement with the aim of bringing its mutual benefits to the peoples of both countries. They once again expressed their commitment to promoting trade and investment between the two countries, as well as industrial diversification through the EPA, thereby supporting Bangladesh's smooth, sustainable, and resilient transition from LDC status. Prime Minister Takaichi stated that Japan looks forward to the furtherance of discussions on Bangladesh's request for accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. The two leaders expressed concerns over the worsening crisis in Myanmar and its impact on regional security, the displacement of all people, including the Rohingyas, and the increase in transnational crimes. The two leaders called for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of detainees, humanitarian access and dialogue among all parties and affected groups. In this context, Prime Minister Rahman underlined that the Rohingya problem originated in Myanmar and its solution lies in Myanmar. The two Prime Ministers shared the view that an ultimate solution to the Rohingya crisis is to realise a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the displaced persons, including the Rohingyas, to Myanmar. The leaders further agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, public health, disaster management, local governance and human resource development. Prime Minister Takaichi highly appreciated vibrant democracy in Bangladesh and welcomed the successful general election in February 2026, held in a credible and peaceful manner as witnessed by an election observer mission dispatched by the Government of Japan. She congratulated Prime Minister Rahman on assuming office. Tarique Rahman thanked the Japanese government and people for their warm welcome and gracious hospitality and invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

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.  

Japan has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to pay an official visit at a mutually convenient time as Tokyo reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Dhaka. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi Saida, who met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, conveyed the invitation for the Prime Minister to visit Japan, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Disaster Management and Relief, and Civil Aviation and Tourism; Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment; Dr Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment; and Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary were, among others, present. During the meeting, Ambassador Saida congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his assumption of office. The Ambassador said Japan will work with Bangladesh under the Strategic Partnership to further steadily deepen bilateral relations and collaborate to realise a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). They also exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including Japan’s development assistance, trade and investment, defence cooperation and other bilateral items. The two sides discussed cooperation under the Employment Skill Development Programme (ESDP), with particular focus on skills enhancement and Japanese language training for Bangladeshi workers aspiring to work in Japan. The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of improved access to information and proposed the development of a digital matchmaking platform to facilitate recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers by Japanese employers. Discussions were also held on defence procurement, metro rail cooperation and mutual support in international forums. Earlier in the day, the Japanese Ambassador paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. Recalling Japan’s early recognition of Bangladesh, the State Minister reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Bangladesh-Japan relations and appreciated Japan’s continued support, including on the Rohingya issue.

Bangladesh and Japan have signed an agreement over ‘transfer of defence equipment and technology’ which is expected to ensure ‘appropriate control’ over the defence equipment and technology transferred between the two countries. Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Chief Adviser’s Office of Bangladesh and Saida Shinichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bangladesh, signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides on Tuesday.  The agreement entered into force on February 3, officials said. The strategic partnership and long-standing friendship between the two countries have been elevated to new heights through this agreement, the ISPR said in a media release. Bangladesh approves proposal to sign EPA with Japan It mentioned that the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan in South Asia will be further deepened, making an important contribution to regional stability and global security. The ISPR said the agreement is expected to further accelerate Bangladesh’s defense modernisation process. The deal establishes a legal framework for the governments of Japan and Bangladesh regarding the handling of defence equipment and technology to be transferred between the two governments in order to implement projects to be jointly determined, including those contributing to international peace and security, said the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Specifically, it stipulates procedures to determine and confirm each specific transfer as well as basic rules on the proper use of the transferred defence equipment and technology. The agreement, Japan said, will ensure appropriate control over the defence equipment and technology transferred between Japan and Bangladesh, especially regarding any subsequent transfer to a third party or any extra-purpose use.  It is expected that this agreement will contribute to closer cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan for defence equipment and technology, and maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Japan’s defence industry, thereby contributing to the security of Japan, said the Japanese side. Quoting sources at the Armed Forces Division, the ISPR said the signing of the agreement was made possible through intensive and continuous efforts by both sides since 2023. It said the defense agreement reflects the deep mutual trust, shared vision and cooperation between the two countries, achieved through the visionary and effective diplomacy of the interim government of Bangladesh. The agreement has been executed in full compliance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and will create an institutional framework for the acquisition of advanced technology and defense equipment, as well as for joint research and development, to help establish international peace and security and protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Japan, South Korea leaders drum to K-pop after summit The ISPR said the signing of this historic agreement will increase the exchange of military experts between the two countries, which is expected to play an important role in strengthening Bangladesh’s defense capabilities and implementing future action plans. According to the ISPR, the agreement is also expected to play a significant role in enhancing strategic relations and military cooperation between the two countries.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for the expedited development of key infrastructure in the Matarbari region, aiming to transform the coastal area into Bangladesh's premier manufacturing and export-orientated free trade zone. Prof Yunus announced that the development of the MIDI region would be a focal point during his upcoming two and a half days of official visit to Japan, beginning on May 28, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.  Ways needed to overcome hurdles for stronger ties with Pakistan: Chief Adviser He is scheduled to attend the 30th Nikkei Future of Asia conference in Tokyo and hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 30, aiming to secure funding for key projects. During a high-level meeting on Monday at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, Prof Yunus reviewed the progress of the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI). The session was chaired by Principal Secretary Md Siraj Uddin Miah and attended by SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, along with secretaries from the Road Transport, Shipping, Energy, Power and Local Government ministries. Sarwar Alam, Director General of the MIDI Cell, presented a comprehensive review of ongoing MIDI projects. Emphasising the strategic importance of the region, Professor Yunus said, "We envision Matarbari as the nation's largest hub for ports, logistics, manufacturing and energy. To realise this vision, we must attract substantial foreign investment." He highlighted the interest of international investors in these sectors and underscored the necessity of a master plan to facilitate such investments. The Chief Adviser directed the Road Transport and Shipping Secretaries to accelerate the construction of roads connecting the MIDI region to the rest of the country and to develop terminals capable of accommodating large ocean-going container vessels. He also stressed the importance of urban development in the area, including building a planned city to support the anticipated influx of workers in the free trade zone and associated industries. The meeting also revealed Japan's intention to establish its second exclusive Japanese economic zone within the MIDI region. Araihazar, Narayanganj, is the site of the first Japanese Economic Zone. It has already attracted sizeable foreign investments. Besides, several international companies, including Saudi Arabian petrochemical giant Aramco, Abu Dhabi Ports, Saudi Arabian port operator Red Sea Gateway, Japanese power producer JERA and Malaysian petrochemical company Petronas, have expressed interest in investing in the area. Dhaka has recently signed an agreement with Japanese firms Penta-Ocean Construction Co., Ltd. and TOA Corporation to construct the country's first deep-sea port at Matarbari. This project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is a cornerstone of the MIDI initiative and is expected to enhance the region's connectivity and economic potential. BNP delegation to meet Chief Adviser on April 16 The MIDI initiative represents a collaborative effort between Bangladesh and Japan to transform the Moheshkhali-Matarbari region into a strategic economic corridor, integrating logistics, energy, and industrial development.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged Japan to enhance its investment in Bangladesh, particularly in emerging sectors such as automobiles, ICT, medical equipment, light engineering, consumer electronics and tourism. The President made the request during a meeting with newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi SAIDA at Bangabhaban. Ambassador SAIDA presented his credentials to the President at Bangabhaban, where a smart contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment accorded him a guard of honour. After the meeting, President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam briefed reporters, highlighting the key points of their discussion. President Shahabuddin said that Japan is Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner, with the relationship between the two nations recently elevated to a strategic partnership. He emphasised Japan’s commitment under the BIG-B Initiative (Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt), which has been pivotal for Bangladesh’s development. To date, the country has received over USD 23 billion in Japanese grants and loans. President urges Kuwait to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh The President expressed satisfaction with the growing volume of bilateral trade, currently standing at around USD 4 billion annually, and acknowledged Japan as one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations. He highlighted the presence of over 350 Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh and encouraged further investment in diverse sectors. The President also urged the ambassador to consider increasing the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, particularly caregivers and nurses, while seeking Japanese support for technical and language skill development for prospective Bangladeshi employees. Acknowledging Japan’s continued humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya population in Bangladesh, President Shahabuddin requested the Japanese government to persist in its efforts to ensure the safe, sustainable, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The President also extended an invitation to the Emperor, Empress, and members of the Japanese Imperial Family to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. In response, Ambassador SAIDA expressed Japan’s keen interest in diversifying its investments in Bangladesh and assured the President of his full cooperation in strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure. President’s Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, Press Secretary Sarwar Alam, and Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin were present during the meeting.

Bangladesh and Japan want to elevate the bilateral relations to ‘strategic partnership’ level during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to Japan. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Japan from November 29 to December 1, at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The planned visit was discussed when the Director General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arima Yutaka met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in Dhaka on Thursday. At the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral relations between the two countries. They particularly highlighted the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan in May 2014, when she and the then Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe elevated the bilateral relations between the countries to ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ level, and also the visit of Shinzo Abe to Bangladesh in September 2014, when the two countries forged deeper economic partnership under BIG-B. Read: PM’s Japan Visit: Dhaka to seek more investment, financing for big projects Both sides expected that during PM Hasina’s upcoming visit, Bangladesh and Japan would foster deeper economic partnership in terms of development cooperation, trade and investment, human resources development, agriculture, ICT, education, defence dialogue and exchanges, people-to-people connectivity, repatriation of Rohingyas, etc. The two sides also expressed the desire to enhance cooperation in international fora, including on climate change, UN reforms, disarmament and non-proliferation, etc. Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Ito Naoki and Director General (East Asia and Pacific) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also joined the meeting. The Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is on a two-day visit to Dhaka to discuss the preparations of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to Japan.