Bangladesh and Japan have outlined a comprehensive plan to deepen bilateral cooperation ahead of the upcoming visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Tokyo, reaffirming their shared commitment to strategic engagement and sustainable regional development.
The announcements were made during the 6th round of Japan-Bangladesh Foreign Secretary level Consultations (Foreign Office Consultations – FOC), held on Thursday in Tokyo. The consultations brought together high-level officials from both nations, led by Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East) of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Akahori Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
According to an official statement from the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, the discussions focused on elevating the Bangladesh-Japan strategic partnership through broader cooperation across political, economic, security and humanitarian sectors.
Focus on Big-B and Indo-Pacific Vision
They’re reiterated its intention to strengthen its engagement with Bangladesh under its Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy. These frameworks are central to Japan’s regional vision for peace, stability, and prosperity.
Japanese officials emphasized support for high-quality infrastructure development in Bangladesh and encouraged Japanese manufacturers to expand their industrial value chains to the South Asian country.
“Japan wants to see sustainable development across the region through inclusive industrial growth and strategic connectivity,” the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated following the talks.
Prof Yunus to Attend Nikkei in Japan
The diplomatic consultations come ahead of Professor Muhammad Yunus visit to Tokyo later this month. The Nobel Laureate has been invited by Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuina Akiko to attend the Nikkei 30th Future of Asia Conference, scheduled for May 29–30 in Tokyo.
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Sources indicate that efforts are underway to arrange a bilateral meeting between Prof Yunus and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during his visit. Prof Yunus, a recipient of the 2004 Nikkei Asia Prize, is expected to share insights on social business, sustainable development, and regional economic cooperation.
Wide-Ranging Bilateral Discussions
The FOC meeting addressed several high-priority topics, including:
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Trade and investment expansion
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Human resource development
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People-to-people connectivity and cultural exchange
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Security and defense dialogue
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Climate change and energy transition
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Modernization of agriculture and shipyards
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Disaster preparedness and earthquake management
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Waste management and solar energy cooperation
The two countries exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. They’re expressed strong support for the current interim government in Bangladesh and its reform initiatives, pledging continued cooperation in socio-economic development and governance reforms.
Japan took positive note of Bangladesh’s request to continue Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) market access for its products in the post-LDC graduation phase. Japan also reaffirmed its commitment to consider extending ODA concessional loans, loan repayment periods, and budgetary support.
Rohingya Crisis and Humanitarian Commitments
The issue of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (Rohingyas) featured prominently in the discussions. Their officials praised Bangladesh’s continued hospitality and humanitarian leadership and pledged sustained support for humanitarian aid and efforts toward the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Both parties reviewed progress made since the 5th FOC held in Dhaka in June 2024. The Japanese and Bangladeshi delegations described Thursday’s talks as “productive, fruitful, and wide-ranging.”
The two nations agreed to deepen political trust, coordinate development strategies, and fully realize their Strategic Partnership, committing to stronger ties in regional and global multilateral forums.
The session concluded with a vision to leverage strategic locations, integrate resources, and harness mutual strengths to promote the prosperity of both peoples. Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam expressed gratitude for Tokyo’s warm hospitality and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s dedication to the bilateral relationship.