TOKYO – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today visited the Nittsu logistics hub located in Ichikawa city of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, as part of his four-day official visit to the country. He visited the facility at 4:45pm (local time), accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

The delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were also part of the delegation. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other senior officials were also present.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited JERA’s onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and power plant in Futtsu city of Chiba Prefecture. The visits came after the Bangladesh Premier and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi held a bilateral summit at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, Kantei, where they discussed expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, ICT, trade and investment.

The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday at the invitation of Takaichi for a four-day official visit. During the visit, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.

On the first day of the visit, he held separate meetings with a high-level Japanese parliamentary delegation led by former prime minister Taro Aso, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Akihiko Tanaka. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade and investment, infrastructure development, energy security, advanced manufacturing and skills development.

This is Tarique Rahman’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China and travelled to New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

TOKYO — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have emphasized stronger bilateral cooperation in energy security, advanced technology, infrastructure development, trade and investment, with a proposal to establish a joint ministerial commission to accelerate collaboration in priority sectors. The two leaders held a bilateral summit at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, where Tarique Rahman urged the Japanese government and private sector to play a more active role in Bangladesh’s economic development, industrialization and technological advancement.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s economic potential, the prime minister said the country was working to establish itself as a regional hub for manufacturing, technology and economic activity.

“By 2030, Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy, and by 2034, our GDP could exceed US$1 trillion,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable and affordable energy supplies, Tarique Rahman thanked Japan for its longstanding support and highlighted a recent 50 billion Japanese yen emergency assistance loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative. He called for greater Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.

To accelerate technology-driven development, the prime minister proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park that would connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled technology professionals.

The proposed facility could prioritize artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing, creating opportunities for technology transfer, innovation and skilled employment. Tarique Rahman also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies, drawing on Japan’s advanced capabilities.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s plans to modernize its transport infrastructure, the prime minister outlined proposals for a high-speed railway network connecting the country’s six major divisional cities and a nationwide elevated-road network.

He sought Japanese technical assistance, investment and financing for planning and implementing the projects, noting that Japan’s experience in modern transportation and infrastructure development could help Bangladesh achieve its development goals.

Tarique Rahman also pledged to improve the investment climate through greater transparency, predictable regulations and more efficient tax policies, customs clearance and fund-transfer procedures. He called for the prompt implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing the importance of ensuring that its benefits reach the people of both countries.

Recalling the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, Tarique Rahman said Japan held a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. Japan was among the earliest countries to recognize Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and has remained a valued development partner, contributing significantly to the country’s socioeconomic progress and infrastructure development.

The prime minister also recalled his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to Japan and his mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed his commitment to taking the partnership to new heights.

Tarique Rahman proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas, accelerate the implementation of agreements and turn cooperation opportunities into concrete initiatives. He also emphasized stronger engagement between the business communities of both countries.

The two leaders discussed regional and international developments, with Tarique Rahman reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law. He thanked Japan for supporting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and expressed hope for closer cooperation with Tokyo in addressing global challenges.

Reiterating the shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the prime minister stressed the importance of regional connectivity, free trade and sustained economic growth. He also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the continuing Rohingya displacement crisis.

Calling for an end to violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned, Tarique Rahman appreciated Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s efforts to shelter Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

“A lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar,” he said, emphasizing the need for the early repatriation of displaced people in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.

Concluding the summit, Tarique Rahman expressed optimism that the discussions would open a new chapter in bilateral relations based on mutual trust, stronger investment ties, broader economic cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity. He invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Following the summit, the two leaders made a joint press announcement outlining the outcomes of their discussions and exchanged several memorandums of understanding in key areas. Takaichi also hosted an official luncheon in honour of Tarique Rahman at the Kantei.

The Bangladeshi prime minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit at Takaichi’s invitation. During the visit, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.

TOKYO – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today invited Japanese investors, businesses and financial institutions to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh and become partners in the country’s next phase of economic growth. “The partnership between Bangladesh and Japan has been built on decades of friendship, trust, and mutual respect. Today, we have an opportunity to take this relationship to new heights. I warmly invite Japanese investors, businesses, and financial institutions to explore the opportunities Bangladesh has to offer and be part of our next phase of growth,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the call at a joint press announcement at the conference room of the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office (Kantei) here following his high-level bilateral talks with premier Sanae Takaichi. Tarique Rahman said the two leaders had held fruitful discussions on a broad range of bilateral, regional and international issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership.

He said the two countries had expressed a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in energy, information and communication technology (ICT), railways and infrastructure, deep-sea ports and foreign direct investment (FDI).

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is committed to working with Japanese partners to unlock economic potential through productive investment, technology transfer, skilled employment and mutually beneficial business ventures. “Together, we can build a more resilient and prosperous future for both our great nations,” he added. During the visit, Bangladesh and Japan also exchanged several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in key areas, he said, adding that a joint statement would outline the outcomes and shared priorities of their discussions.

Recalling Japan’s long standing role as a development partner, Tarique Rahman said, “Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. Our friendship is rooted in mutual respect, trust and a shared vision of peace, prosperity, and stability.”

“Japan, a peace-loving nation, is one of the earliest countries’ to recognize Bangladesh following our independence in 1971,” he said. The premier added, “For more than three decades, Japan has been one of our most valued development partners, making significant contributions to Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress and infrastructure development. We deeply appreciate this enduring friendship.”

Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to Takaichi and the Japanese people for their warm welcome and hospitality during his official visit.

“Our ambition is clear: to turn this friendship between our two nations into a powerful engine of economic opportunity and shared prosperity,” he said, adding, “Together, let us build a partnership that serves our peoples today and creates a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Earlier, Takaichi welcomed Tarique Rahman at the Kantei, where the Bangladesh premier was accorded a guard of honour before the two leaders held their summit meeting. The two prime ministers also introduced members of their respective delegations to each other before proceeding to the talks. Tarique Rahman arrived in Tokyo on Monday on a four-day official visit at the invitation of Takaichi. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone.

On the first day of the visit, Tarique Rahman held separate meetings with a high-level Japanese parliamentary delegation led by former prime minister Taro Aso, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Akihiko Tanaka.

This is Tarique Rahman’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China and travelled to New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

TOKYO — Bangladesh and Japan have discussed a proposed 1 trillion Japanese yen (approximately US$6.3 billion) in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. The proposal was discussed during a bilateral summit between Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Kantei, the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, at 11:30 a.m. local time, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin told the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

The two leaders also discussed sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to accelerate progress on the proposed investment plan. The summit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, technology, space research, infrastructure development and regional and international affairs.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman urged the Japanese government and private sector to take a more active role in Bangladesh’s economic development, industrialization and technological advancement.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s growth potential, the prime minister said the country aspired to become a major hub for economic activity, technology and manufacturing. He noted that Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, while its gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed US$1 trillion by 2034.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable and affordable energy supplies, Tarique Rahman called for greater Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors. He thanked Japan for its longstanding support for Bangladesh’s energy security, including a recent 50 billion yen emergency assistance loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative.

The prime minister also proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled technology professionals. The proposed facility would prioritize artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing to promote innovation, technology transfer and skilled employment. Tarique Rahman further expressed interest in expanding cooperation in space science, satellite engineering and related advanced technologies, drawing on Japan’s expertise in these fields.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s infrastructure development ambitions, the prime minister outlined plans for a high-speed railway network connecting six major divisional cities and the construction of elevated roads across the country. He sought Japanese technical assistance, investment and financing to plan and implement these large-scale infrastructure projects.

Tarique Rahman also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the investment climate through reforms to regulatory systems, tax policies, customs clearance and fund-transfer procedures. He expressed hope that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in February 2026, would be implemented promptly.

To strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, he proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas, accelerate implementation and turn investment opportunities into concrete initiatives. He also emphasized closer engagement between the business communities of both countries.

Recalling the longstanding friendship between the two countries, Tarique Rahman said Japan held a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. Japan was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 and has remained one of its key development partners. He described the relationship as one built on mutual respect, trust and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and stability.

The Bangladeshi prime minister invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Following the summit, the two leaders made a joint press announcement outlining the outcomes of their discussions and exchanged several memorandums of understanding in key areas. Takaichi also hosted an official luncheon in honour of Tarique Rahman at the Kantei.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit at Takaichi’s invitation. During his visit, he is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders.