Dhaka, Tokyo Set Cooperation Agenda Before CA Visit

Bangladesh and Japan have outlined a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral cooperation ahead of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' upcoming visit to Tokyo. The plans were discussed during the 6th Japan-Bangladesh Foreign Secretary-level Consultations (Foreign Office Consultations – FOC) held in the Japanese capital.

The discussions focused on enhancing political, economic, and sectoral collaboration, with particular emphasis on sustainable development, infrastructure, regional security, trade, and climate resilience. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the “Japan-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership,” aimed at elevating ties to a new level.

As part of Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific and Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) initiatives, Tokyo reiterated its interest in supporting Bangladesh’s development through high-quality infrastructure projects. Japan also encouraged its manufacturing and production companies to expand industrial value chains into Bangladesh.

Professor Yunus is scheduled to visit Japan at the invitation of Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuina Akiko. He will attend the 30th Nikkei Future of Asia forum in Tokyo on May 29–30. The Nobel Laureate and recipient of the 2004 Nikkei Asia Prize is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, according to diplomatic sources.

The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Japan was represented by Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Akahori Takeshi. Officials from both sides participated in what was described as a “productive, fruitful, and wide-ranging” discussion.

Key topics included trade and investment, people-to-people connectivity, cultural exchanges, climate change, renewable energy, and humanitarian cooperation. The Japanese side reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s interim government and its ongoing reform initiatives. They also welcomed Bangladesh’s request to extend Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) access for Bangladeshi products beyond its graduation from LDC (Least Developed Country) status, and pledged to work on facilitating market access for Bangladeshi fruits and vegetables.

Japan expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s continued humanitarian efforts in hosting Rohingya refugees and committed to supporting their safe and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar, alongside ongoing humanitarian aid.

The consultations also explored collaboration in disaster management, effluent treatment, solar power, agriculture mechanization, and shipyard modernization. Discussions on concessional ODA loans, loan repayment extensions, and budgetary support were also held.

Both nations exchanged views on regional and global affairs and reaffirmed their intention to strengthen multilateral cooperation.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision to leverage the strategic assets, capacities, and locations of both countries to promote inclusive growth and prosperity. Dr. Nazrul Islam expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Japanese government.