United News of Bangladesh

In light of the rapidly changing global situation, a more prevalent supply chain risk, rapid technological innovation and mounting social issues, Bangladesh and Japan will upgrade BIG-B into “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” as an initiative of “strategic cooperation” in the exclusive partnership between the two countries. This is aimed at enhancing the resilience and preserving each country’s freedom of decision, said the Japanese government.  Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Japan signed a number of Memoranda of Cooperation and other documents between the two countries, said the Japanese side. The two countries signed five cooperation documents covering economic relations and the business environment, agriculture, fisheries and livestock, and environmental protection. These include a memorandum of cooperation between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division; separate memoranda between Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; a memorandum of cooperation on the environment between Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and a letter of intent between Japan’s Global Environment Bureau and Bangladesh’s Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” BIG-B (the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt) is an economic development initiative with three pillars: (1) economic infrastructure development, (2) improvement of investment environment, (3) strengthening connectivity. It has served as the flagship initiative of Japan-Bangladesh cooperation, and has long supported Bangladesh’s economic growth. The “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” positions Bangladesh as a hub to promote common prosperity and to contribute to mutual growth, said the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Japan and Bangladesh have agreed to strengthen cooperation in connectivity, energy security, disaster resilience, trade, investment and defence to promote economic growth and regional peace and stability. Under the proposed cooperation framework, the two countries will promote integrated economic infrastructure development centred on Matarbari Deep-Sea Port, including power and energy facilities, airports, roads, railways, inland waterways and special economic zones, to strengthen supply chains and develop Bangladesh into a logistics and industrial hub. They will also work to improve the investment climate, develop human resources, expand public-private partnerships and establish transparent and predictable rules to attract investment. Both sides will seek to expand trade and investment under the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), improve market access and promote industrial upgrading and export diversification. The cooperation will also focus on building resilient supply chains in manufacturing, logistics, food and agriculture, information and communication technology, pharmaceuticals and other sectors. To strengthen energy security, the two countries will promote initiatives under Japan's “POWERR Asia” framework for a stable and economically viable energy supply and explore opportunities for energy infrastructure development in the Matarbari region. They will also enhance cooperation to address natural disasters and climate change, including strengthening emergency response capabilities and developing sustainable disaster-prevention infrastructure. In the security sector, Japan will support Bangladesh's capacity-building efforts and promote bilateral security and defence cooperation, with a focus on maritime security, maritime domain awareness, coastal patrols and port security. The framework includes providing patrol boats to Bangladesh under Japan's first Official Security Assistance (OSA) project, exploring a second OSA project and providing patrol vessels through official development assistance (ODA) to strengthen coastal security capabilities. Both countries will also work to improve their ability to respond to emerging technological challenges, including cybersecurity, as part of broader efforts to enhance resilience against geopolitical uncertainties and promote peace and stability. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations under the two countries’ Strategic Partnership, with a focus on regional peace, prosperity and stability. At a summit meeting in Japan, Takaichi congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as prime minister and described Bangladesh as a friend that shares the values of democracy. Amid growing international instability, she said Japan strongly supports Bangladesh’s ability to make its own decisions freely and strengthen its resilience under Japan’s updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) vision. Takaichi also expressed her intention to work with Tarique Rahman to promote peace and prosperity in the region. In response, Tarique Rahman said Japan, as a peace-loving nation, was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh’s independence and holds a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. He said the two countries had built longstanding friendly relations and expressed his commitment to working with Takaichi to take bilateral ties to new heights. The two leaders held the summit meeting on October 27 from 11:45am for around 25 minutes, followed by a joint press event and luncheon, according to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, are set to hold bilateral talks in Tokyo on October 27 to strengthen their “strategic partnership”, deepen economic ties and increase investment. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam on Tuesday briefed reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on various aspects of the upcoming four-day visit. “It is expected that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan will be further strengthened. New doors will open in the relationship, and fresh private investment will come to Bangladesh from Japan,” he said. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman, will pay an “official working” visit to Japan from October 26 to 29. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a delegation that includes Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit. “This visit of Prime Minister Rahman is expected to further strengthen the ‘strategic partnership’ between Japan and Bangladesh, a key regional partner that shares values and principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and enhance coordination towards realising the updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” a spokesperson for Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. Japanese companies are expected to use the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to announce fresh investments or plans to establish new offices in Bangladesh, a diplomatic source told UNB, adding that Japanese companies continued operating in Bangladesh even during the challenging period and had not withdrawn from the market. Several companies are reportedly preparing to announce their commitments to Bangladesh during the visit. Foreign Secretary Siam said both sides are discussing the signing of several MoUs during the visit. Draft MoUs on agriculture, fisheries, human resource development and skills development, domestic aviation, trade, environmental conservation, and the modernisation of local government are currently under discussion. “We hope that many of these MoUs will be signed during the visit,” the Foreign Secretary said. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, who is set to become the next Foreign Secretary, Additional Foreign Secretary (Public Diplomacy and Other Priority Matters) AKM Shahidul Karim, and Chief of Protocol AFM Zahid-Ul-Islam were also present at the media briefing. Earlier, Japan invited the Prime Minister to pay an official visit at a mutually convenient time, reaffirming Tokyo’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Dhaka. In April, Bangladesh welcomed a Japan-led initiative to address energy issues more efficiently across Asia, noting that countries needed to work together, as no single country could resolve the challenges alone. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined an online meeting at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister. Siam also said the visit would create opportunities to accelerate and complete ongoing projects. Commercial partnerships would be strengthened, the volume of economic and development assistance would increase, and security cooperation would continue, he said. He said there was also potential for Japanese support in establishing factories in Bangladesh, creating employment opportunities and developing human resources. Beyond bilateral relations, the two leaders would also discuss global issues. “It is hoped that the two countries will initiate fruitful discussions on peace and stability in the regional and international arenas, a lasting and peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh, strengthening mutual cooperation to resolve the global energy crisis, and jointly playing a role in ending international conflicts,” the Foreign Secretary said. Siam said relations between Bangladesh and Japan were long-standing, historic and friendly. Japan was one of the first countries to recognise Bangladesh shortly after its independence and had made significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development, infrastructure construction, human resource development and capacity building, he said. “Our relationship has expanded and broadened beyond trade, investment and development cooperation to various fields, including science and technology, connectivity, the environment, and regional and sub-regional cooperation,” Siam said. He described the current relationship between the two countries as a strategic partnership. Under this framework, various cooperative activities, including infrastructure development in Bangladesh, technological advancement, human resource development and security cooperation, are ongoing. “We hope these activities will further increase through this visit,” Siam said. Against the backdrop of the existing strategic partnership, he said the upcoming visit offered a timely opportunity to deepen and broaden ties between the two countries. In particular, the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan in February 2026 had opened up new possibilities for expanding trade and investment, he said. The Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address at the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum. He is also expected to visit the LNG terminal and power plant in Katsuura City, Chiba, UNIQLO Headquarters, and the Toyota plant in Nagoya, Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has said his country looks forward to further promoting high-level exchanges, including at the head of state and ministerial levels, noting that the new chapter has just begun. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged a break from the past. Even now the Jatiya Sangsad is conferring to find a solution through earnest dialogue. The new chapter has just begun,” he said, reiterating the commitment to providing their unwavering support. Celebrating the birthday of the Emperor, the Ambassador said as Bangladesh is growing toward an upper middle-income nation, they remain firmly committed to extending their steadfast assistance, as a faithful development partner since its independence, its strategic partner, and its friend in need, for the course of nation, charted by the new government. Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain spoke as the chief guest and said the friendship between Bangladesh and Japan is deeply rooted in mutual trust, common aspirations and progress. Terming Japan as one of Bangladesh's most trusted development partners, he said the unwavering friendship between the two countries, built on mutual respect and trust, has grown steadily over the past few decades. The Minister said they are firmly committed to further strengthening Bangladesh's strategic partnership with Japan for shared peace, prosperity and stability.  In May last year, Ambassador Saida said their former Prime Minister Aso told his guest from Dhaka, former Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in Tokyo that, “It’s all about political stability. No stability, no economic growth.” “In any country, and in any era, it’s never easy to restore law and order after an uprising,” said the Japanese envoy. He said now it is getting clearer how well-conceived the new government’s “plan” is: ‘reconciliation to break the old-time cycle, restoration of law and order, and economic growth’ through enhanced investment. “On behalf of our Government, let me express sincere appreciation and strongest support for this vision,” said Ambassador Saida. In February this year, Bangladesh signed its first-ever Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. The two countries also concluded the ‘defense equipment and technology transfer agreement,’ the 17th of its kind for japan. “We look forward to a steady implementation of these agreements under the new government, thereby further strengthening our bilateral relations in both economic and security domains, and contributing to the country’s growth strategy,” said the envoy. He said Japan’s development assistance has always been extended for the benefit of the people and the nation, never for any particular groupings.” I’m sure the same sense is shared by the Japanese business community.” Even when many international investors took a wait-and-see stance, Ambassador Saida said Japanese companies definitely did their business as usual. “We didn’t see even a single company that has withdrawn. I wish to express respect for their commitment and pledge our continued support to ensure that their integrity and perseverance will be duly paid off,” he said. Japan welcomed the progress made in a series of their projects under the new government. On the Rohingya issue, he said despite formidable challenges, Bangladesh has continued to manage this issue, the largest humanitarian crises in Asia. The envoy reiterated his commendation to the government and the Armed Forces of Bangladesh for their tireless efforts, and pledged their continued support in close cooperation with the international community. Political leaders, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, civil society members and senior journalists were present.  

The 6th Bangladesh-Japan public-private joint economic dialogue was held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Tokyo, in a hybrid format. The Bangladesh delegation, comprising senior government officials and private sector representatives, led by M Siraz Uddin Miah, principal secretary to the Chief Advisor and the Japanese delegation, headed by Matsuo Takehiko, vice minister for international affairs, METI were present there. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Md Daud Ali and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi also attended the event, said a press release issued today. The dialogue provided a platform for continued open and constructive engagement between stakeholders from both countries. Discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation, with particular attention to connectivity, the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), logistics, energy transition, agriculture, and the simplification of tax and customs procedures. Bangladesh highlighted its investment potential and ongoing reform initiatives aimed at fostering a more business-friendly environment. The Japanese side was updated on the progress made in response to earlier feedback from Japanese investors. The Japanese delegation conveyed their private sector’s strong satisfaction with Bangladesh’s improving business climate, noting that the number of Japanese companies in the country has tripled over the past decade. This reflects increased investor confidence and strong interest in business expansion. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic ties and expressed hope for concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of 2025. Bangladesh reiterated its full support to facilitate Japanese investment and emphasized its willingness to work closely with Japanese stakeholders. The Japanese side welcomed the ongoing reforms and expressed optimism that the current momentum would continue. Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah assured that the Government of Bangladesh will continue working to address the key challenges, as raised in the discussion. He highlighted reform and automation efforts to ensure a more investor-friendly environment and underscored the importance of concluding the EPA before Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Vice Minister Matsuo Takehiko of METI referred to a survey that more than 60% of the Japanese companies are considering to expand their business in Bangladesh. He said that the Japanese government is ready to facilitate enhancing Japanese investment in Bangladesh through public private partnership. The dialogue was attended by senior officials from both governments and prominent business leaders. From Bangladesh, participants included representatives from the chief advisor’s Office, National Board of Revenue, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Bank and FBCCI. From the Japanese side, participants included among others the Chairman of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Co-operation of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries, as well as heads of the JICA and JETRO offices in Bangladesh, and representatives from the Japanese private sector.  

Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko has underscored the need for early conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan in order to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The issues were discussed when Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Akiko met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Appreciating Bangladesh’s positive investment climate, Akiko mentioned that the Japanese investment and businesses are continuing their operations in Bangladesh despite recent political changes. The Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lauding Japan’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas including their relocation to Bhashan Char, the Foreign Adviser sought Japanese support to draw a roadmap for early repatriation of the Rohingyas. He also sought Japanese support for hosting a high-level conference on the Rohingya issue in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations. During the meeting, the Japanese Vice-Minister reiterated Japan’s support for the interim government and its ongoing reform and nation-building initiatives. The Foreign Adviser thanked Japan for its immense contribution to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development initiatives since independence. The Japanese Vice-Minister conveyed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh during the post-LDC graduation period. She noted that more than 310 Japanese companies are currently doing business in Bangladesh and the number will go higher.

Tree-cutting began Monday in the Jingu Gaien park district of central Tokyo, a flashpoint for more than a year between environmentalists and real estate interests. Developers led by real-estate company Mitsui Fudosan have a 10-year, multi-billion-dollar plan to build three skyscrapers on the coveted land and to raze a historical baseball stadium, replacing it with a new stadium. A small group of protesters gathered Monday. They object to the destruction of trees in a city that lacks green space and is seeing many parks handed over to commercial interests. The plan is backed by Tokyo Gov. Yuiko Koike, who once was Japan’s environmental minister.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Homecoming Day was observed in Tokyo with due fervor and solemnity. On this occasion, a discussion meeting was organized at the embassy this morning. Officials of the embassy, led by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed, laid floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation     A minute's silence was observed in the memory of Bangabandhu and the martyrs of August 15, 1975. Later, a special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of the souls of the Father of the Nation and the martyred members of his family, as well as for the welfare of the country and the nation. Then the messages given by the President and the Prime Minister on Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day were read out. Brazil congratulates PM Hasina, willing to continue deepening ties with Bangladesh During the discussion, Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmad humbly recalled the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the history of the nation's struggle for freedom. He said that Bangladesh was born through the long movement and Liberation War led by the Father of the Nation. The ambassador said that although victory was achieved on December 16, 1971, it was completed only after the return of the Father of the Nation on January 10, 1972. Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day observed in Brunei He called upon all to work towards the implementation of Vision 2041, announced by the Prime Minister, to take the country forward on the path of progress and prosperity by completing the unfinished work of Bangabandhu. A documentary on Bangabandhu's homecoming was screened after the discussion.

The launch of Biman's Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight will enhance trade and relations between the two countries, Badal Chaklader, president of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (BCCIJ), has said. He said this while speaking at a reception programme organised by BCCIJ in Japan's Tokyo on Sunday (September 03, 2023) night. He also thanked the Bangladesh government and Biman Bangladesh Airlines for launching the direct flight. Read: After Narita (Tokyo), Biman eyeing flights to New York, Chennai, Los Angeles, Rome "We expect that the direct flights would not be discontinued like in the past. We want more Japanese investment in Bangladesh," the BCCIJ president said. “For boosting trade with Japan, initiatives should be taken to operate daily flights in phases. The quality of services offered by the airline should also be enhanced so that domestic and foreign passengers show more interest,” the BCCIJ president added. Business leaders said that Japanese investors were often not interested in going to Bangladesh due to lack of direct flights. It also took a long time for Bangladeshis to travel to and from Japan. Relations and trade between the two countries will reach a new height due to the direct Biman flights, they hoped. They also urged Biman authorities to transport dead bodies of Bangladeshi expatriates to the country free of cost. Business leaders also demanded harassment-free services at Dhaka airport. Read: Dhaka-Narita Tokyo direct flights launched  State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Md Mahbub Ali, said, “We have 50 years of relationship with Japan. This relationship will grow even more due to the direct flights to Japan. Biman resumed flights to Tokyo, Japan after 17 years and it will facilitate passengers as well as cargo transportation.”  “Besides, more Japanese businessmen will now come to Bangladesh and invest here as our country has great potential,” he added.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is working to expand its international routes to enhance air connectivity for Bangladeshi passengers, Managing Director and CEO of the national flag carrier, Shafiul Azim, has said. “We have taken initiatives to operate flights on some important routes across the globe including to New York, Chennai, Bengaluru, Los Angeles, Rome, Male, and Guangzhou.” The Biman CEO shared the information during an exclusive interview with UNB “Gradually we will be able to start flights on these routes. We are evaluating and working on how to start flights on each of these routes within the shortest possible time,” he added. Biman currently operates regular flights to 19 destinations around the world. “We have a fleet of 21 aircraft including Dreamliners. Ten new aircraft are being purchased from Airbus,” he added. New aircraft from Airbus will facilitate the expansion of routes and will open up new directions in coordination with other countries, the Biman CEO hoped. Read: Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air forge strategic partnership for enhanced travel connectivity With the addition of the new aircraft, the number of flights on popular routes can also be increased, which would in turn create a more competitive market and help in reducing ticket prices. The Biman CEO said, “We are working on expanding our network not only in Asia but also in western countries, especially in Europe.” Besides, Biman has already done everything to launch direct flights from Dhaka to New York, he said. He further said some formal work is going on with Civil Aviation, Federal Aviation Authority and their Department of Transport. If everything goes well, all activities regarding flight operations on the new routes, including New York, are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. He said that Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air have recently started a partnership – set to revolutionise travel between Bangladesh and the Gulf region. As a result, passengers can travel from Dhaka to Bahrain and Bahrain to Dhaka with onward connection to Chattogram and Sylhet via both airlines (Biman and Gulf Air). Read: Biman Bangladesh Airlines launches online travel date change service In addition, it will benefit both airlines through enhanced operational efficiency and shared expertise in the aviation industry, he added. “We are starting flights to Narita (Tokyo), Japan from September 1. Chennai is also being considered as a destination. Apart from this, we are going to resume flights to Guangzhou in China by the middle of September. Besides, we are trying to establish communication and code sharing with other countries through Narita in Japan,” the Biman CEO said. Regarding the launch of flights to Japan, he said that Bangladesh has very good bilateral relations with Japan, and they have investments here. “We are launching a direct Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) flight from September 1, 2023 and it is a major achievement for us,” the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said, adding, “Bangladeshi students are going to study in Japan and Japanese businessmen are coming here. Besides, many people travel to Japan from neighbouring countries. We have a good air network with the West compared to the East. Through Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights, a new horizon will open,” CEO Azim added. Besides, Biman will take initiative for improvement of the Bangladesh-Japan tourism sector. Read more: 2 flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Friday cancelled At the same time, “we are moving forward with marketing strategies so that passengers from neighbouring countries can travel to and from Japan via Dhaka,” the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is launching its Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight from September 1, 2023, Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of the national flag carrier, told UNB. The Biman CEO said that the inaugural flight will take off from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on September 1 at 11:45 pm local time and reach Narita International Airport in Japan on September 2 at 9:15 am local time. The flight, BG-377, from Narita International Airport to Dhaka will take off on September 2. Read: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts Azim said Biman flights from Dhaka to Narita will depart every Friday, Monday and Wednesday at 11:45 pm and from Narita to Dhaka, every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.   Biman Bangladesh Airlines started selling tickets for the Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from July 25. The minimum one-way fare on the route is Tk 70,828 and return ticket price is Tk 1,11,656 per passenger. Read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO Biman offered a discount on the occasion of the inauguration of direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita route. The special discount was on till August 15. At the time, the minimum one-way fare on Dhaka-Narita route was Tk 49,100 and return tickets were Tk 84,496 per passenger. Most of the opening flight tickets have already been sold. According to Biman, the number of Bangladeshis living in Japan is not significant. Japanese nationals engaged in various development projects in Bangladesh are primarily expected to be passengers on the route. Read: Market mismanagement behind the rise of egg price The Biman CEO said, “Very soon we are going to start a 24-hour call centre following the international system. Passengers will be able to get all the updated information on flights round the clock.” As part of the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ goal, automated baggage system will be introduced soon, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said. “Not even 1 kg of extra baggage will be allowed. The automated baggage system will be functional from September 1.”