Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a bilateral summit in Tokyo on Tuesday, discussing ways to strengthen cooperation in energy security, technology, infrastructure, trade and investment, as well as regional and international issues.
During the meeting, Tarique called on the Japanese government and private sector to play a more active role in Bangladesh’s economic development, technological advancement and industrialisation.
He said his government was working to transform Bangladesh into a hub for the economy, technology and manufacturing industries.
Bangladesh could become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030, while its gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed $1 trillion by 2034, he said.
The prime minister said Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. He noted that Japan was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971 and had remained one of its most important development partners.
He said bilateral relations were built on mutual respect, trust and a shared aspiration for peace, prosperity and stability. Tarique also recalled that his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, visited Japan twice, and acknowledged the contributions of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening ties between the two countries. He pledged to follow in their footsteps to take bilateral relations to new heights.
Tarique placed particular emphasis on ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security, saying a reliable and affordable energy supply was essential to sustaining economic growth.
Expressing gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support, he referred to a recent emergency assistance loan of 50 billion Japanese yen under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative to strengthen energy security in Asia.
He called for greater Japanese investment and participation in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.
As part of efforts to build a technology-driven economy, Tarique proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled technology professionals.
He said the proposed facility would prioritise artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing.
The prime minister also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies, citing Japan’s advanced capabilities in these fields.
Tarique outlined plans to develop modern and integrated transport infrastructure to accelerate economic growth. These include a high-speed rail network connecting the country’s six major divisional cities and the construction of elevated roads across Bangladesh.
He sought Japan’s assistance in planning, technical support, investment and financing for the large-scale infrastructure projects.
Japan’s extensive experience in infrastructure development and modern transport systems could play an important role in realising Bangladesh’s development ambitions, he said.
Welcoming new investment by Japanese businesses in Bangladesh, Tarique said his government was committed to improving the investment climate by making regulatory systems, tax policies, customs clearance and fund transfer procedures more transparent, predictable and efficient.
He also expressed the expectation that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would be implemented swiftly, saying both sides needed to work together to ensure that its benefits reached the people of the two countries.
On regional and international issues, Tarique highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and international law.
He thanked Japan for supporting the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He expressed the expectation of working closely with Japan under Khalilur Rahman’s presidency to strengthen multilateral cooperation and address global challenges.
Reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, Tarique stressed the need to expand bilateral cooperation on regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth.
He also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting Rohingya displacement crisis. He called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among all relevant parties.
The prime minister praised Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts for Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and taking shelter in Bangladesh.
He urged Japan to maintain active engagement with all parties to help establish peace and stability in Rakhine, saying a lasting solution to the crisis lay in Myanmar itself. He stressed the need to ensure the Rohingyas’ prompt, voluntary, safe and dignified return to their homeland.
In his concluding remarks, Tarique said the summit would open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations while preserving the historical continuity of their longstanding partnership.
He expressed hope that the relationship would be strengthened through deeper trust, broader economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.
Tarique proposed establishing a ministerial-level joint commission to identify priority sectors, accelerate implementation and turn opportunities for cooperation into concrete initiatives. He also stressed the importance of closer engagement and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.
Noting that the constructive discussions had reinforced their shared aspirations for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, Tarique invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
He expressed hope that Bangladesh-Japan relations would deepen and broaden in the years ahead, guided by mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity.
The bilateral summit between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi began at 11:45am local time at the Kantei.
The meeting followed a formal welcome at 11:30am, a guard of honour and the introduction of the two leaders’ respective delegations.
This is Tarique’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China on state visits and travelled to New York, the United States, in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.