CA Begins Tokyo Visit with Meeting Held with Taro Aso

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus began his official visit to Tokyo today with a meeting with Taro Aso, President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League and former Prime Minister of Japan. The meeting took place at the Imperial Hotel at 5:00 pm local time.

According to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Prof. Yunus briefed Aso on the progress of reform measures undertaken by the interim government of Bangladesh. In response, Aso expressed his awareness of Bangladesh’s political transition and conveyed Japan’s interest in strengthening ties with Dhaka.

Discussions also touched on establishing an economic partnership between the two countries, with Aso urging swift progress. Prof. Yunus highlighted key achievements of the interim government in stabilizing the economy, including reviving the banking sector, improving foreign exchange reserves, and repaying outstanding foreign debt.

Aso noted that bilateral relations would deepen significantly with the formalization of the economic partnership. On the upcoming general elections, Prof. Yunus said polls would be held between December and June, reaffirming that he would step down by June 30, the announced deadline.

Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Prof. Yunus warned of the emergence of a disillusioned young Rohingya generation and emphasized the need to offer them hope. He urged Japan to support the dignified repatriation of displaced Rohingya to Rakhine, Myanmar.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Special Assistant Lutfey Siddiqi, and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed also attended the meeting. Prof. Yunus arrived in Tokyo earlier in the day for a four-day visit to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum and hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to enhance bilateral cooperation.