PM Calls for Stronger Dhaka-Tokyo Ties to Build a More Prosperous Future

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for stronger and broader ties between Bangladesh and Japan, expressing optimism about increased Japanese investment, job creation and expanded cooperation in energy, technology and infrastructure to build a more prosperous future for both countries.

“Let's deepen the multifaceted ties between Bangladesh and Japan for a stronger, much better, and more prosperous future together,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday evening following his summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Tarique said his ongoing visit to Japan represented a significant step towards strengthening the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.

Describing the summit as highly productive, the prime minister said both leaders had reiterated their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, economic progress and a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“Our discussions focused on translating this partnership into tangible opportunities for the people of Bangladesh,” he said.

The two sides discussed the possibility of providing 50 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately $320 million, in emergency financial assistance under Japan's Partnership for Power Asia initiative to enhance Bangladesh's energy security, Tarique said.

He also highlighted discussions on attracting up to one trillion Japanese yen, or around $6.3 billion, in Japanese private-sector investment in Bangladesh over the next five years, potentially generating approximately 200,000 jobs.

“These investments could accelerate industrialisation, expand manufacturing capacity, and create new opportunities for our young workforce,” he added.

The prime minister said he had proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, electronics manufacturing and other advanced technologies.

The discussions also covered cooperation in space science and satellite engineering, as well as Japanese technical and financial assistance for developing high-speed rail links connecting six major divisional cities and modernising Bangladesh's transport infrastructure.

On industrial development, Tarique said the two countries had agreed to advance the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative under a renewed framework aimed at promoting shared prosperity.

The initiative will prioritise the integrated development of energy, deep-sea ports, industrial infrastructure, technology and regional connectivity, further strengthening Bangladesh's position as a link between South and Southeast Asia, he wrote.

Tarique said the discussions also focused on expediting the implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), strengthening institutional cooperation and considering the establishment of a ministerial-level joint commission to translate shared priorities into tangible outcomes.

He also expressed Bangladesh's gratitude for Japan's continued humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and urged Tokyo to maintain its engagement in facilitating their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

Highlighting the historical friendship between the two countries, Tarique credited his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with laying the foundations of bilateral relations. He said his late mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, had further strengthened the relationship through her visits and engagement with Japan.

“Japan was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh's independence and has remained a trusted development partner throughout our journey,” he said, expressing the gratitude of the Bangladeshi people for Japan's friendship, generosity and longstanding support.

The prime minister said his government, following the democratic elections, was committed to building an economy driven by investment, innovation, infrastructure development and meaningful employment opportunities.

He also thanked Takaichi, the Japanese government and the people of Japan for their warm hospitality and continued confidence in Bangladesh.

Tarique is visiting Japan from 26 to 29 October at the invitation of Takaichi. His four-day official trip aims to strengthen the strategic partnership, attract foreign investment, expand bilateral trade and accelerate development cooperation.

During their bilateral summit at the Japanese Prime Minister's Office, known as the Kantei, on Tuesday, the two leaders discussed cooperation in energy security, information and communication technology, railways, infrastructure, deep-sea ports and foreign investment.

They also issued a joint press announcement outlining the outcomes of their discussions and exchanged several memorandums of understanding.

The Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in February 2026, is expected to establish an additional framework for expanding bilateral trade and deepening economic engagement.

As part of his visit, Tarique is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders. Meetings with Japanese development institutions and visits to industrial and energy facilities are also expected to help identify further opportunities for bilateral cooperation.