United News of Bangladesh

Expressing optimism over the future of the two countries, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Wednesday said his country does not take any side in Bangladesh elections and it is the 'sovereign decision' of the people of Bangladesh whom they actually want. “The key point I want to make is - the US doesn't take sides in Bangladesh’s elections," he said during his first interaction with a small group of journalists at the EMK Centre in Dhaka. Spokesperson of the US Embassy Dhaka Poornima Rai was also present. The Ambassador said he is optimistic about the future of the two countries and looks forward to Bangladesh’s historic elections next month. He said who is elected and who is selected to become the part of the newly elected government is a sovereign decision of Bangladesh’s people and no other country had a say. "We talk to everybody as you know...we have a long history of talking to everybody, " the Ambassador said. He said they are committed to working with whoever wins in the elections. "I am excited about the future of Bangladesh. We have seen massive changes here since August 2024. I think we will continue to see changes," said the US envoy, noting that the two countries can work together on economic, trade and security issues. Ambassador Christensen said it is a very exciting time to be back here ahead of the country’s most consequential election in nearly two decades. Very Hopeful of Great Relationship Ambassador Christensen said they had a very positive working relationship with the interim government and are very hopeful that they will have a great relationship with the next government, to be chosen by the people of Bangladesh. Asked about his expectation from the next elected government, he hoped that they will do their 'very best' for the people. During the interaction with the media, he spoke on the broader bilateral relationship, indicating that cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and security would be the priorities of the relationship. The Ambassador believes there are many opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. Talking about economic issues, the Ambassador said the US business is not just trade and investment, it brings international best practices. Regarding the Myanmar-Rohingya crisis, Christensen commended Bangladesh for hosting over a million refugees. He said the US’ ongoing support. In December, the US and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs signed a $2 billion funding framework, which includes Bangladesh, to ensure aid reaches vulnerable communities effectively. Honoured to Return Christensen said he was honoured to return to Bangladesh, a country he knows well and holds in the highest regard. For over two decades, he said, he has had the privilege of working closely on US policy toward Bangladesh and the broader region. As US Ambassador, he said, his primary responsibility is to advance the interests of the American people and the agenda of President Donald Trump, making America safer, stronger and more prosperous. “You might have heard this policy referred to as the America First foreign policy. I believe that elected governments should always put their people first,” the Ambassador said, adding that America First does not mean America alone. After his recent meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to hear his perspective on upcoming elections, he said the United States looks forward to working with all Bangladeshi political parties to advance shared peace and prosperity. The US Ambassador also met with Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury to discuss his plans for the judiciary and potential areas for cooperation to strengthen the security of both the countries. On January 15, Ambassador Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship. "Today I had the honor of presenting my Ambassadorial credentials to President Shahabuddin. The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend," he said in a brief statement after the ceremony. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations. "I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship," he said. “It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Christensen who along with his wife Deanne Dao arrived in Dhaka on January 12. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka soon after his arrival, he said they both are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for them. The newly appointed Ambassador laid emphasis on enhancing the relations between Bangladesh and the United States. The US Embassy Dhaka welcomed Brent Christensen as the newly sworn-in Ambassador to Bangladesh. “I am thrilled to return to Bangladesh, a country I know so well," said Ambassador Christensen. The US Ambassador said he is excited to lead a great team at Embassy Dhaka, Americans and locally employed staff alike, to "enhance US-Bangladesh relations, advance President Trump's agenda, and work hard every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Excellent First Week He had 'excellent first week' at U.S. Embassy Dhaka. "I’m proud to join the hard-working U.S. Embassy team and look forward to advancing President Trump’s priorities and further strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh relations." Ambassador Christensen was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador on December 18, 2025. He served most recently as the Senior Official performing the duties of Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security from January-October 2025. In this role, he oversaw the Department of State’s global efforts on security cooperation, security assistance, counterterrorism,7 counternarcotics and nonproliferation. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Christensen previously served as the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of United States Strategic Command and as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ambassador Christensen has held additional assignments overseas in the US missions to the Philippines, El Salvador and Vietnam. His other domestic roles include serving as Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, as Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, as a fellow on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, and as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. Ambassador Christensen also served as one of two career Foreign Service members of the Foreign Service Impasses Disputes Panel, part of the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority. A distinguished graduate of the National War College, Ambassador Christensen earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. Bhutan among eligible countries as Bangladesh continues visa-on-arrival facility He likewise holds a Master of Science in Statistics from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University. He speaks Spanish, German and Vietnamese, and has studied French, Japanese, and Portuguese. Before joining the Foreign Service in 2002, he worked as a management consultant in Houston and New York City.  

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Thursday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship.  “Today I had the honor of presenting my Ambassadorial credentials to President Shahabuddin. The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend," he said in a brief statement after the ceremony. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations. "I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship," he said. Read more: UAE rulers grant royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners “It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Christensen who along with his wife Deanne Dao arrived in Dhaka on Monday. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka soon after his arrival, he said they both are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for them.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Guatemala, resident in Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has presented his credentials to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala Mo nica Bolan os Pe rez and called for stronger bilateral ties with Guatemala. During their meeting on Tuesday, both sides underscored the importance of deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. Vice Minister Bolan os Pe rez commended Bangladesh’s notable contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations.  Ambassador Mushfique proposed facilitating a visit by a Guatemalan business delegation to Bangladesh to explore new opportunities for collaboration, said the Embassy on Wednesday.  Bangladesh condemns Israeli military aggression against Qatar He also highlighted Bangladesh’s competitive export sectors, particularly ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, leather, and jute goods. On the sidelines, Ambassador Mushfique met with Director General Lynsay Herna ndez, where he reaffirmed Bangladesh’s full commitment to advancing bilateral ties.  

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday expressed concerns over the arrests of Bangladeshi nationals on charges of terrorism. He said the government of Bangladesh will work with Malaysia to investigate allegations of militancy against Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested recently by the Malaysian Police. The issues were discussed during a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan held in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting.  Adviser Hossain reiterated the firm stand of the government against terrorism and sought Malaysia's cooperation in its own investigation into the allegations through exchange of information and findings.  The Malaysian Foreign Minister assured Dhaka of facilitating access and cooperation to Bangladesh authorities. Photographs taken by two Mt. Everest summiteers on display in Dhaka Earlier, the Foreign Advisor met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy where the two held discussions on diverse bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.  Both sides discussed, among others, the ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, Rohingya crisis, post-LDC graduation support, according to the Bangladesh Mission in Kuala Lumpur.  The Foreign Adviser also called on Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, and Park Yoonjoo, the Vice Minister and Head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea where a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues came for discussions.  Bangladesh became a member of ARF in 2006, a forum established in early nineties to promote confidence and trust among its 27 members that include countries in the broader Asia-Pacific.  At present, Bangladesh is co-chairing two of the ARF priority areas, “Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime” and “Disaster Relief.”  The next session of the ARF ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2026. In the afternoon, the Foreign Adviser delivered the national statement at the Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum where he called for greater attention to the Rohingya crisis, in consideration of its national and regional security implications.  China, Canada foresee ‘renewed collaboration’ in trade, investment with Bangladesh The Foriegn Adviser also urged the ASEAN members to positively consider Bangladesh’s bid to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner.  The Foreign Adviser was accompanied by Md Shameem Ahsan, the High Commissioner of Bangaldesh to Malaysia, Md Forhadul Islam, Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of the Bangladesh government.    

Describing the recently held tripartite meeting as an effort to have “concrete cooperation” in certain areas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday said they are working with Bangladesh and Pakistan to follow up and implement the consensus they reached.  “We have already identified 12 areas for concrete cooperation including industry, trade, education, environment protection, water resources. There will be some follow up and we are working with Bangladesh and Pakistan to follow up and implement this consensus,” he told reporters after attending a seminar in the capital. Ambassador Yao said the meeting, held recently in Kunming, was part of an initiative to have their cooperation to improve economic development and livelihoods of all there countries – Bangladesh, China and Pakistan. “We are in a very critical moment. There are lots of things we can work together. I see this for the common interests of the three countries,” said the Chinese Ambassador. He stressed that the principle of cooperation is to remain open, maintain transparency and ensure mutual benefits. “Our cooperation is based on mutual trust. It is open and transparent process. It does not target any third country. That is the message to convey,” said Ambassador Yao. The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) hosted the seminar on ‘China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation’ where ‘Industry Reports’ by the CEAB was released. Bangladesh, Mexico celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties with landmark illuminations in Mexico City Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, along with representatives from the concerned agencies and departments of the Bangladesh government and business leaders from both countries were present. Earlier, Bangladesh, China and Pakistan identified several areas for deeper cooperation including infrastructure, connectivity, trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, maritime affairs, ICT, disaster preparedness and climate change issues. Bangladesh, China and Pakistan held the "informal trilateral meeting" on the sidelines of the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation meeting in Kunming on June 19. June 26, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain ruled out any new alliance among Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, and stressed that it was not done targeting Bangladesh’s neighbouring country – India. Foreign Affairs Adviser off to Malaysia to attend ASEAN Regional Forum   “We are not forming any alliance. It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level…. there was no element of formation of any alliance,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question last month. Asked whether the meeting was aimed at making India cornered, Adviser Hossain said it is certainly not targeting a third-party. “I can assure you.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Saturday said Bangladesh will cooperate with Malaysia in the ‘terror investigation’ as the Malaysian authorities announced that they had arrested 36 Bangladeshis in the recent security operations for their alleged involvement in a ‘radical militant’ movement. “Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur immediately engaged with the relevant Malaysian authorities and formally requested the identities of the individuals and information regarding the allegations brought against them,” the Ministry said. Bangladesh reiterated its firm position against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and militancy, and it remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in this regard Of the arrested or detained people, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts, the MoFA said. The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation, Bangladesh said, updating on the recent incidents. The government of Bangladesh is ‘closely monitoring’ the developments and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities. The Bangladesh High Commission will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed, the Ministry added. Nepal highlights positive role of media in deepening friendship with Bangladesh The Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB), recently dismantled by the Malaysian police, is believed to have been raising funds and recruiting members for the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Bangladesh, said the Malaysian government on Friday. Of the 36 suspects aged between 25 and 35, five have been charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code, while 16 are still held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) for further investigation and prosecution. Bangladesh is waiting for details from the Malaysian side as it has already sought detailed information from Malaysian authorities regarding the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia. “We have sought detailed information about the 36 Bangladeshis arrested in Malaysia, and we are now awaiting their response,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Bangladesh will verify the allegations against the arrested people to check whether they were involved in militancy. “If they are found to be involved, we will ensure their punishment,” Adviser Hossain said, adding that the situation remains somewhat fluid. Asked whether the incident could negatively impact the issuance of Malaysian visas to Bangladeshi nationals in the future, the adviser said any negative incident can affect visa issuance and they cannot say it will not have an impact. He, however, said if they take proper steps, the impact can be minimised. Malaysian Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the group collected funds by charging an annual membership fee of RM500 per person as well as other voluntary contributions based on members’ financial means. Initial investigations revealed the group had between 100 and 150 members, all Bangladeshi nationals working in labour sectors such as in factories, construction sites and petrol stations across Malaysia, according to Bernama. “The funds collected were then transferred abroad using e-wallet applications and international money transfer services,” he told a press conference here on Friday. The group also used social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to recruit new members. Mohd Khalid said police are still investigating the amount of funds channelled by the group to IS networks in Syria and Bangladesh. Bangladesh and Türkiye affirm mutual cooperation for football development He said the group used social media and messaging apps to spread IS propaganda, conduct baiah (oath of allegiance), and organise secret activities such as religious classes and member meetings. “Those who pledged allegiance online were made cell leaders to expand the group’s influence. New members were recruited in stages, starting from screening to forming elite groups,” he said. He added that investigations so far indicate no Malaysians were involved in the group, which is believed to have been active in the country for about a year. Although the group was not planning attacks in Malaysia, it used the country as a base to raise funds and recruit members. Investigations are ongoing with support from Bangladeshi authorities and Interpol. Mohd Khalid said police initially detected the group’s activities through social media accounts operated by Bangladeshi nationals using Malaysian IP addresses to spread IS ideology. The first phase of the operation, conducted on April 28, led to the arrest of six individuals in Selangor and revealed the structure of GMRB, which was based in Johor. The second phase, carried out on May 7, resulted in 14 more arrests in Johor, including the group’s leader. The third and final phase, conducted from June 19 to 21, saw the arrest of another 16 people, effectively dismantling GMRB’s main network operating in Malaysia. Mohd Khalid said suspects found to have minimal involvement in the group’s activities will be deported to their home countries.  

Bangladesh, China and Pakistan have held extensive discussions on trilateral cooperation and agreed to move forward based on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual trust, equality, openness, inclusiveness and shared development. In a meeting held in Kunming, Yunnan province of China on June 19, three sides emphasised that China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation adheres to true multilateralism and open regionalism, not directed at any third party, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Bangladesh's former acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Pakistani Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui attended the meeting.  Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch participated in the first phase of the meeting via video link. Bangladesh urges Saudi Arabia to maint 1,000-pilgrim Hajj quota per agency Sun Weidong said the Chinese government is committed to building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries.  "Bangladesh and Pakistan are both good neighbours, good friends, and good partners of China, and important partners in high quality Belt and Road cooperation," Weidong said.  As significant members of the Global South and key countries in the region, all three countries face the mission of national revitalisation and modernisation, and all require a peaceful and stable environment, said the Chinese side. "Cooperation among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh aligns with the common interests of the three peoples, and can contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity," said Weidong. China-Bangladesh-Pakistan trilateral cooperation focuses on promoting economic development and improving people’s livelihoods.  The three sides agreed to explore and implement cooperation projects in such areas as industry, trade, maritime affairs, water resources, climate change, agriculture, human resources, think tanks, health, education, culture and the youth.  The three sides will establish a working group to follow up and implement the understandings reached during the meeting.  Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, described the meeting as the "inaugural meeting of Bangladesh-China-Pakistan trilateral mechanism." Nepal highlights its appeal to Bangladeshi travellers at Dhaka tourism meet During the meeting, the three sides agreed to enhance their cooperation for enhancing regional connectivity and deepening cooperation in the diverse fields of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, agriculture, digital economy, environmental protection and marine sciences, green infrastructure, culture,  education and people-to-people exchanges, according to the Pakistan side. In Kunming, Sun Weidong also called on Haji Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Acting Deputy Prime Minister of the interim government of Afghan, and held bilateral meetings with Ruhul Alam Siddique and Imran Ahmed Siddiqui.     

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday called upon the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to bolster its support for the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Development Initiative (MIDI), aiming to transform the region into a vital engine for Bangladesh's future economic growth. The request was made during a meeting with JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko on the sidelines of the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia, held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. "The MIDI region represents the future of Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said. "With access to the Bay of Bengal, we are developing deep-sea ports, highways, and railway links to connect the MIDI region with Nepal, Bhutan, and other parts of South Asia." JICA initially proposed the development of a deep-sea port at Matarbari. The interim government, under Prof Yunus' leadership, is now formulating a comprehensive master plan to transform the entire MIDI region into a hub for ports, logistics, fishing, energy and power. Japan to become important manpower market for Bangladesh: Shafiqul Alam  "Our vision includes building a megacity in the region," Prof Yunus added, noting that airports are also being upgraded to accommodate increased travel demands. Dr Tanaka reaffirmed JICA's commitment to the MIDI development but emphasised the need for accelerated decision-making to expedite project implementation. In response, Prof Yunus announced plans to appoint a senior official to oversee MIDI projects and coordinate efforts with JICA and other potential foreign investors. The Chief Adviser also revealed plans to establish free trade zones within the MIDI area, inviting foreign investors to set up manufacturing plants aimed at export markets. Besides, the government intends to create an exclusive fisheries zone in the region, enabling large fishing vessels to operate. "We need to engage in deep-sea fishing," Prof Yunus explained. "Currently, fishing vessels from neighbouring countries exploit these waters, while our trawlers are too small for deep-sea operations. By developing our capabilities, we can process the catch in the fisheries zone for both export and domestic consumption." Dr Tanaka said this was possibly the first time he had heard a Bangladeshi leader discuss deep-sea fishing initiatives. The two leaders also discussed Bangladesh's reform agenda following the July uprisings, the country's democratic transition, and the Interim Government's anti-corruption efforts. Prof Yunus confirmed that general elections are scheduled to be held between December and June, after which he plans to return to his previous work once an elected government assumes office. Japan to recruit one lakh Bangladeshi workers in five years The Rohingya crisis was also discussed, with the Chief Adviser seeking increased JICA’s support for humanitarian responses. Dr Tanaka expressed JICA's willingness to participate in international efforts addressing the Rohingya crisis.      

Japan is poised to become one of the most important markets for Bangladesh’s workforce in the near future, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Thursday. “A businessman said he would hire 3,000 skill labourers from Bangladesh, but 3,000 people would have to be taught the Japanese language very quickly to do that,” he said while talking to reporters after a seminar on human resources. Press Secretary Alam said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will take more coordinated initiatives in this regard after returning home.  Prof Yunus seeks Mahathir’s support for Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership “Japan will be one of the most important manpower markets for Bangladesh in the coming years,” he said. The Press Secretary said Japan could soon open its doors to Bangladeshi manpower like a ‘floodgate’, provided the workers are properly trained. He said the interim government has already initiated efforts to develop a skilled workforce with proficiency in the Japanese language. Stating that approximately 3,000 Bangladeshi youths have already arrived in Japan for language training this year, the press secretary expressed the hope that the number would rise to about 10,000 by the end of the year. He said these people would not only study the Japanese language but would also secure employment opportunities in Japan. Alam also said Japan is increasingly looking to Bangladesh as a source for skilled human resources. The Bangladesh Embassy to Japan arranged the human resources seminar in Tokyo where Chief Adviser Prof Yunus spoke. The Press Secretary explained that the purpose of the seminar was to inform Japanese companies that Bangladesh has a sufficient pool of human resources and is ready to send skilled workers to Japan. He also said a significant number of representatives from Japanese companies attended the seminar with much enthusiasm. Earlier at the programme, Japanese authorities and businesses announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 workers from Bangladesh in the next five years to meet the country's growing workers' shortage. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Japan signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi manpower and facilitate their employment in Japan, as the country faces a shortage of workers.  Japan to recruit one lakh Bangladeshi workers in five years The agreements were signed at a human resources seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Japan, held at Hirakwacho Chiyoda City in Tokyo, in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.    

Japanese authorities and businesses on Thursday announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 workers from Bangladesh in the next five years to meet the country's growing workers' shortage. Speaking at a seminar titled, “Bangladesh Seminar on Human Resources”, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said that his interim governm would do everything in its capacity to create the job opportunities for Bangladeshis in Japan.  CA Prof Yunus looks forward to meeting with Japanese PM “This is going to be the most exciting day for me, the most inspiring day. This will open the door for Bangladeshis to not only work but to know Japan,” said the chief adviser. The chief adviser witnessed the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding – first between Bangladesh's Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) and Kaicom Dream Street (KDS), a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture, and second between Bangladesh's BMET and Japan’s National Business Support Combined Cooperatives (a business federation with over 65 receiving companies operating in Japan) and JBBRA (Japan Bangla Bridge Recruiting Agency) at the event organised in Toshi Kaikan conference hall. “This gathering is about opening the door,” said Prof Yunus, noting that Bangladesh is a country of 180 million people, and half of them are under 27. “The government’s job is to open the door for them,” he said. Mitsuru Matsushita, representative director of Supervising Organisation Shizuoka Workplace Environment Improvement Cooperative said many Japanese companies are facing enquiries about Bangladeshis, and he believed this trend would continue. “Bangladeshi talents hold great potential. It is our duty to nurture their talent,” he said. Mikio Kesagayama, chairman of NBCC, recalled that about 14 years ago, Professor Yunus came to Japan and was telling stories about helping women through microcredit. He said that in the first three decades of their business, they strived for a quality workforce. “Our Federation looks to Bangladesh for young and capable labour. They can contribute to the development of both Bangladesh and Japan,” he said. “In the coming five years we are prepared to welcome more than 100,000 Bangladeshi workers,” he said. Sharing the future plan on the recruitment of Bangladeshis in the Japanese industries, Miki Watanabe, president of Watami Group, said a school they established in Bangladesh trains 1500 students every year, and they are now planning to raise the number to 3000. With technical education in Bangladesh, they can enter the job market in Japan, he said. Hiroaki Yagi, Japan International Trainee & Skilled Worker Cooperation Organisation (JITCO) chairman, shared the potential and challenges for Bangladeshis in the Japanese labour market. He said the number of language teachers in Bangladesh is still short. Niki Hirobumi, state minister of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Japan, said Japan is facing a declining population and thus will need the support of Bangladeshi workforce. “This can be promising not only for Bangladesh but also for Japan,” he said. Election in Bangladesh by June next year, Yunus tells Japan’s Taro Aso In his welcome speech, Daud Ali, ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan, said by 2040, the Japanese labour shortage could reach 11 million, and Bangladesh could take this opportunity to send more skilled workers. Some Japanese companies have already recruited Bangladeshi workers to address their labour shortages, and interest continues to grow,” said the Ambassador. Representatives from several Japanese companies that have already hired Bangladeshi workers also spoke at the event. They praised the competence, sincerity, and professionalism of Bangladeshi employees. The company officials expressed their eagerness to recruit more workers from Bangladesh and emphasised the importance of both governments taking the necessary steps to facilitate the process. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Lutfey Siddiqi, and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were, among others, present at the programme Prof Yunus arrived in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on Wednesday on a 4-day visit to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and to hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.