Bangladesh and Japan Strengthen Partnership, Plan for Future Growth
Dhaka, Bangladesh witnessed a significant meeting on Wednesday as Bangladesh and Japan renewed their commitment. Both nations agreed to make their strategic partnership even stronger. This pledge came during the 7th Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations held in Dhaka. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared this news in a press release.
Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam led the Bangladeshi team. Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Namazu Hiroyuki led the Japanese team. The discussions offered a chance for both sides to confirm their shared goal. They want to deepen the Bangladesh-Japan Strategic Partnership. They also aim to boost cooperation in many areas for mutual benefit.
The two countries talked about all aspects of their relationship. This included high-level visits and cooperation in trade. They also discussed investment, energy security, and green energy. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the BIG-B Initiative were key topics. Defense cooperation was also part of the talks.
They also discussed increasing contact between their people. The issue of returning Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar was raised. Both sides exchanged views on regional and global matters. They also talked about working together in international groups like the United Nations.
Senior Deputy Minister Namazu Hiroyuki acknowledged the strong friendship. He noted it was built by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He shared Japan’s vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). He also confirmed Japan’s continued help to Bangladesh. This support comes through the EPA, the BIG-B Initiative, and the Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. He welcomed the recent delivery of five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam highlighted the progress in relations over the years. He hoped the partnership would become even deeper and broader. He believes the Economic Partnership Agreement will bring more Japanese investment to Bangladesh. He thanked Japan for its support in Bangladesh’s development. This includes the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the Dhaka Metro Rail, and the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal.
Mr. Siam asked for Japan’s ongoing support. He wants to expand trade and investment between the two countries. He also asked for help in promoting renewable energy and sustainable development. Both sides agreed it is important to strengthen people-to-people ties. This means creating more chances for Bangladeshi skilled workers in Japan. It also includes more educational, cultural, and civil society exchanges.
The Foreign Secretary also spoke about the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingya people. This puts a big burden on the country. He restated Bangladesh’s view that their safe return to Myanmar is the only solution. He thanked Japan for its continued humanitarian help for the Rohingyas.
The officials also discussed global issues of shared interest. They confirmed their commitment to UN principles. They also agreed to work closely together on global matters. The Japanese Minister extended an invitation from Prime Minister Takaichi to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Japan. He also invited Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to Japan. Bangladesh also invited Prime Minister Takaichi to visit Dhaka.
The next meeting for Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations will be in Tokyo in 2027.
