Referring to Japan’s friendship with Bangladesh and India, outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori on Sunday said the spirit of connectivity transcends borders and politics creating the trust needed to achieve regional stability and mutual growth. As a friend of Bangladesh and India, Japan believes that the relations based on mutual trust is "essential" for exploring regional connectivity, said the Japanese envoy at a seminar. Kiminori is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Tokyo wrapping up his two years tenure in Bangladesh. "In discussing the issue of connectivity, I cannot but touch upon the current relations between Bangladesh and India," he said, adding that he finds the recently held Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and India at the foreign secretary-level a "good signal" to that end. Supported by the Embassy of Japan, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) hosted the international seminar on "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interests" at the BIISS auditorium. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke at the seminar as the chief guest while the first working session was chaired by Chairperson, Bay of Bengal Institute, Cosmos Foundation Tarik A. Karim. Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS and Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS also spoke. Ambassador Kiminori said the Bay of Bengal region holds an immense potential for trade and investment. He briefly talked about Myanmar, noting that they have to see the reality along the borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar. "Specially, we have to think about how to deal with the Rohingya crisis," he said, highlighting the importance of continuing discussion with all stakeholders to deal with the situation in the future. The Ambassador said Japan has been continuously supporting to ease the burden on Bangladesh and its people. "We will continue to do so under the new government." In his speech, Foreign Adviser Hossain said they are aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7-plus years. There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, he said. The Adviser is just back from an informal consultation in Bangkok at the invitation of the Thai Foreign Minister, where the Foreign Ministers of Myanmar and Laos, Deputy Foreign Minister of China and the Indian Foreign Secretary were present. "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights," Hossain said. Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, said the Foreign Adviser. Ambassador Kiminori said the Bay of Bengal's strategic importance is "undisputed" and by reconnecting this region, they are not merely creating economic opportunities, but they are fostering peace, stability and prosperity for the future generations. The Ambassador said Japan remains committed to working hand in hand with Bangladesh and other partners to realise the vision of a "connected, resilient and economically vibrant" Bay of Bengal region. He expressed Japan’s commitment to continuing cooperation with Bangladesh in the future. "I sincerely hope this country’s continued prosperity," said the envoy, announcing his completion of tenure in Dhaka.

Stressing that peace and harmony among littoral states are crucial to unlocking the Bay of Bengal's potential, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasised on Sunday that Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities. "By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations," Adviser Hossain said while speaking at a seminar in the capital. He laid emphasis on their collective task to align diverse interests, ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention; and a model for sustainable and inclusive development. India supports democratic, inclusive Bangladesh: MEA Spokesperson Supported by the Embassy of Japan, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) hosted the international seminar on "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interests" at the BIISS auditorium. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori delivered a speech at the seminar, with the first working session chaired by Tarik A Karim, Chairperson of the Bay of Bengal Institute, Cosmos Foundation. Other speakers included Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, and Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS. With its strategic location and growing industrial base, the Adviser said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain.  In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities, he said. As Bangladesh approaches its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026, Adviser Hossain said, it stands at a critical juncture, facing both significant opportunities and complex challenges. The impending loss of preferential trade benefits and concessional financing necessitates a shift towards more competitive and innovative economic strategies. "To address these challenges effectively, Bangladesh must prioritise diversifying its trade portfolio, elevating the quality and value of its exports, and investing in advanced technologies to drive productivity and economic growth," Hossain said. Partnerships with regional and extra-regional stakeholders, particularly Japan, can provide the technological and financial support needed for Bangladesh to overcome these hardships, he said. Japan’s expertise in areas such as renewable energy, digital trade, and maritime logistics can play a transformative role in this context, said the Adviser, adding that the Bay of Bengal is not only an economic resource but also an ecological treasure. FS requests Canadian envoy to expedite visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals Therefore, he said, preserving its marine biodiversity and addressing some pressing challenges such as climate change, illegal fishing, and maritime security are essential for the long-term prosperity in this region. "We are aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7 plus years," Hossain said. There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, he said. The Adviser is just back from an informal consultation in Bangkok at the invitation of the Thai Foreign Minister, where the Foreign Ministers of Myanmar and Laos, Deputy Foreign Minister of China and the Indian Foreign Secretary were present. "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights," Hossain said.

Japan will support Bangladesh's reform agenda, and its investors would continue to stay in Bangladesh to help boost the country's economic developments, outgoing Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori said on Wednesday. The Japanese envoy made the comments during a farewell call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. Ambassador Kiminori praised the leadership of Professor Yunus and added that his government would cement ties with Bangladesh in three pillars of Japanese engagements, which include peace and stability, economic cooperation, and human-to-human interactions. "We'll do our best to support the three pillars," Kiminori said, reiterating Tokyo's "strong support" for the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government in areas including elections. Professor Yunus thanked the outgoing ambassador for their contribution to the Bangladesh-Japan relationship. He also lauded the ties between the two countries. "The relationship has always been very strong," the Chief Adviser said. He called for more Japanese investment in Bangladesh as his government was carrying out vital reforms to attract more foreign direct investment in the country. "The presence of Japanese investors in Bangladesh sends a good message for us," he said. The Japanese envoy said, "not a single Japanese company has withdrawn" from Bangladesh after the Jully-August mass uprising. "They are willing to stay in the country," he said. General amnesty if fake freedom fighters apologise: Farooq-e-Azam He extended an invitation from Nikkei to an annual conference in Japan where the Japanese Prime Minister is expected to speak. He said the Chief Adviser could meet chief executives of top Japanese companies during the conference and invite them to invest in Bangladesh. The Japanese ambassador also appreciated the Chief Adviser's move to hold an international conference on the Rohingya issues, saying Tokyo strongly supports the meeting. The Chief Adviser reiterated his call to create a UN-guaranteed safe zone in Myanmar's western Rakhine state where the displaced communities can temporarily be relocated before they return to their homes once the conflict is over. Lamiya Morshed, principal coordinator on SDG Affairs and a senior secretary of the government, was also present during the meeting.  

The government would take appropriate steps if any foreign diplomat crosses the line, said Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday (June 5, 2023). "There was such a phase six months ago. If it (crossing line) happens again, we will take steps taking that into cognisance. However, I am not aware of anything as of now," he said. Read more: ‘Undivided India’ map at new parliament: No reason for confusion, Dhaka waiting for official version from Delhi, says Shahriar Alam The State Minister made the remarks when a reporter drew his attention about Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori’s visit to the Election Commission and his meeting with a political party. Read more: Exaggeration, inconsistency in Congressmen’s letter: Shahriar Alam Earlier, former Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki made comments on Bangladesh's last national election, and Bangladesh described Naoki's comments on Bangladesh's election "unexpected."

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday (June 4, 2023) said the country’s people, not the Prime Minister, will decide whether they will go to the USA or not. “It is her (PM’s) personal matter whether she will go to any particular country or not. It’s also a matter of their decision whether the 17 crore people of Bangladesh will go to that country or not,” he said. Talking to reporters after a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said the people of Bangladesh will decide whether they will go to the USA for their personal, business, professional, family and educational purposes. “The Prime Minister can’t take a decision in this regard,” Khosru, also the chairman of BNP’s foreign affairs committee, observed. Also read: Japan wants to understand what’s happening in Bangladesh and where it’s headed, BNP says as ambassador meets Fakhrul Earlier on Saturday (June 3, 2023), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it does not matter at all if someone does not go to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 20-hour- plane journey. “There are other oceans and other continents in the world and we’ll make friends with those continents crossing the other oceans. Our economy will be stronger and more developed and vibrant,” she added. The PM also said Bangladesh will run on its own feet and the government will build the country. “We will not be dependent on others, who will not give us visas, who will impose sanctions on us.” Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the Prime Minister is not worried about the US sanctions or visa restrictions but a neutral election. Read more: BNP’s complaints to foreign countries didn’t yield any results: Quader “The Prime Minister becomes ill and suffers from headache when any country talks about fair elections under a neutral caretaker government,” he said. Speaking at a food distribution programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal’s Dhaka south city unit on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office marking party founder’s 42nd death anniversary, Rizvi said the Prime Minister said it matters little if anyone does not go to the USA. “Then why don't you keep your son in the country? Why do your sons and daughters live abroad? Why did you keep your son in the United States instead of any other friendly country of yours?” he questioned. He said Sheikh Hasina will not take any steps for holding a fair election and establishing a caretaker government as she considers the country’s people as her enemies. Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul “If an impartial caretaker government is established, the people of the country will be able to vote freely and fairly. She knows people won’t ‘vote for her party. So, doesn’t want a neutral caretaker government to come,” the BNP leader said.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori met BNP’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (June 4, 2023) and discussed Bangladesh’s next general election and the overall political situation. Talking to reporters after the meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, the party’s standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that Japan, like other democratic countries, wants to see a free, fair, and acceptable election in Bangladesh. Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul “Bangladesh’s relations with Japan expanded significantly since we started the free market economy during the BNP government. That is why they (Japan) want that relation to continue even if the government changes,” he said. Chowdhury, along with the party’s Organising Secretary Shama Obaid, was present at the meeting. They discussed the overall electoral system of Bangladesh and the current human rights situation, he said. Like other countries, Japan might have concerns about Bangladesh’s next election, human rights situation, rule of law, press freedom, and people’s security, the BNP leader said. “So, they want to understand what is happening in Bangladesh, what is going to happen in the future, and where is Bangladesh headed?” – he said. Read more: Movement to restore democracy going towards final stage rapidly: Fakhrul Chowdhury, also the foreign affairs committee chairman of BNP, said the Japanese envoy talked about his country’s investment in Bangladesh – both in the private and public sectors. He said they informed Iwama Kiminori about the country’s overall situation, but he declined to elaborate on it. The BNP leader said many countries are concerned about the investment atmosphere and the future of Bangladesh. “The situation we’re going through now has created apprehension among countries. So, they’re trying to understand how Bangladesh will be in the future and how the election will be.” Read more: ‘We’re taking plan according to road map prepared for national election,’ CEC tells Japanese Envoy Asked whether Japan will play any role in ensuring a peaceful and fair election in Bangladesh, Chowdhury said the democratic countries have already expressed their goodwill regarding the elections in Bangladesh. “Japan is no different. Everyone wants a free, fair, and acceptable election in Bangladesh.” He said the new Japanese ambassador has paid a courtesy call on the BNP secretary general. Stating that Bangladesh-Japan friendship is time-tested, the BNP leader said bilaterally, friendly relationship with Japan is above all. Read more: Japan eyes broader ties with Bangladesh under strategic partnership: Ambassador Kiminori

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said he would prefer to refrain from commenting on Bangladesh’s upcoming election, calling it “an internal affair”.   “I would refrain from making any comments on this. It is an internal affair of Bangladesh,” he said when a journalist wanted to know Japan’s position on the subject after bilateral relationship was elevated to “strategic partnership” during PM Hasina’s recent official visit. Also Read: US calls upcoming national election an 'internal' affair of Bangladesh The ambassador was briefing media at the Japanese Embassy on Wednesday on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. Iwama Kiminori made the remark when during the briefing, a journalist referred to the previous Japanese ambassador’s comment in November last year. At the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan and had a summit meeting on April 26. Read More: Bangladesh, Japan focusing on ‘comprehensive and targeted-oriented’ partnership: Ambassador

Newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said Japan, as a friend of Bangladesh since its inception, wants to consider possible cooperation and collaboration with all related actors to address challenges that Bangladesh is facing. “The government of Bangladesh aims to become a developed country by 2041. In order to achieve this goal, Bangladesh is attempting to overcome various challenges such as climate change, health, and education,” he said in a message. The Japanese envoy said the year 2023 marks the 51st year of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh. In other words, he said, 2023 is the first year for the next 50 years. Read more: New Japanese Ambassador presents credentials to President On December 26, he presented credentials to President Md. Abdul Hamid and began his duty as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bangladesh. “I feel honored to start undertaking my responsibility as Ambassador in the year of 2022, which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh,” he said. Throughout the year, there must have been moments to look back at progress over the last half century, said the envoy. Before coming to Bangladesh, the envoy said, he has learned that many Japanese have been involved and worked hard for the development of this country for 50 years as true friends of Bangladesh. “I have also learned from a number of Japanese people who have close connections with Bangladesh that Bangladeshi people are not only working hard to develop the country but also possess great respect and affiliations for Japan and its nationals,” he said. Ambassador Kiminori said he is committed to make his best effort to strengthen the friendly relations, following this wonderful suit. Most people he spoke to prior to his assignment, especially those in the economic field, expressed their interest in Bangladesh's development over the past few years and their motivation to further strengthen relations with Bangladesh. Read more: Japan is a true friend , trusted partner of Bangladesh since independence: Envoy In particular, he said, in recent years, many mega projects contributing to the improvement of economic infrastructure are going on under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt initiatives (BIG-B). ‘Given this situation, the importance of Japan, as a major and largest development partner of Bangladesh, has been prospering,” said the envoy. In addition, Bangladesh’s economy has been steadily growing and the country is to graduate from LDC by 2026. Due to this rapid economic growth, the envoy said, there are increasing expectations from Japanese business circles to shift their interests from aiding to investing. “As Ambassador, I would like to contribute to Bangladesh’s further economic growth by listening to and supporting Japanese companies interested in doing business in this country,” he said. Despite the rising number of Japanese companies and Japanese nationals in Bangladesh, the memory of the terrorist attacks in 2016 remains strong, the Ambassador said. “It is one of the most important responsibilities of the Embassy to gather and share information on the security situation in Bangladesh,” he said. Ambassador Kiminori said they are committed to keep providing relevant information in a timely and appropriate manner. Before arriving in Bangladesh, the envoy has come to know that Bangladesh has a rich culture passed on through many centuries with its Bengali language identity. “During my tenure, as Ambassador, I am determined to learn the culture and history of Bangladesh and at the same time increase the understanding of Japan in Bangladesh,” he said. END/UNB/MK/FH