PM for Japanese support in energy, tech, infrastructure

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought enhanced Japanese cooperation in energy, technology, modern transportation and infrastructure, alongside increased investment and bilateral trade. He also called for a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis and stronger cooperation to promote regional peace and stability.

On the second day of his visit to Japan on Tuesday, Tarique discussed the issues at a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. He also visited JERA’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal and power plant in Chiba Prefecture and a logistics hub operated by Nippon Express.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s wife, physician Dr Zubaida Rahman, called for greater Japanese cooperation in healthcare services, research, maternal and child health, and modern medical infrastructure in Bangladesh.

Welcoming Japanese investment in Bangladesh, Tarique said his government was committed to making regulations, tax policies, customs clearance and fund transfers more transparent, predictable and efficient to improve the investment climate.

He called for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing the need to ensure that its benefits reached the people of both countries.

Highlighting Japan’s expertise in modern transportation, he said greater cooperation could help Bangladesh achieve its development goals. He also underscored the importance of stronger engagement between the two countries’ business communities.

Tarique reaffirmed Bangladesh and Japan’s commitment to multilateralism, world peace and respect for 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.


Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister called for an end to violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned.

He praised Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to shelter Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and urged Tokyo to remain actively engaged with relevant parties to restore peace and stability there.

Stressing that a lasting solution must be found in Myanmar, Tarique called for the early, safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas.

Describing the summit as the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations, Tarique expressed hope for deeper trust, expanded economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

He proposed establishing a joint ministerial commission to identify priority areas, expedite the implementation of decisions and turn cooperation into concrete initiatives. He also invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

The summit began at 11:45am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, or Kantei, following a formal welcome ceremony and guard of honour. The two leaders later made joint statements and attended a banquet hosted in honour of the Bangladesh Prime Minister.

At 2:30pm, Tarique visited JERA’s onshore LNG terminal and power plant in Futtsu city, Chiba Prefecture. JERA is one of Japan’s leading energy companies.

He was accompanied by 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 Humayun Kabir and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit.

Other members of the delegation included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostakur Rahman, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Economic Relations Division Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, among other senior officials.

At 4:45pm, the Prime Minister toured Nippon Express’s logistics hub in Ichikawa city, Chiba Prefecture, accompanied by ministers, advisers and senior government officials.

Dr Zubaida Rahman urged the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its cooperation in healthcare services, research, maternal and child health, and modern medical infrastructure in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a health seminar organised by the foundation in Tokyo on Tuesday, she said healthcare, education and social protection were key government priorities.

She outlined initiatives to make healthcare affordable, improve public health services, recruit healthcare workers and expand access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged communities. She also highlighted employment-oriented education, opportunities for underprivileged students and family-based social assistance programmes, including Family Cards.

Drawing on her experience as a physician, Dr Zubaida said Bangladesh had considerable potential to implement effective health policies, advance research and establish modern medical institutions.

She stressed that Bangladesh and Japan could address emerging health and social challenges by sharing expertise and resources. Ensuring children’s well-being, she said, required sustainable social systems, strong economies, quality education and protection from poverty and violence.

Emphasising health diplomacy as a means of advancing the goal of “health for all”, she acknowledged the contributions of nongovernmental organisations, international institutions and philanthropic foundations to maternal and child health.

Praising the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s work for children and vulnerable communities, she called for expanded programmes and greater support to address emerging health challenges in Bangladesh.

She assured the foundation of the government’s full cooperation in initiatives aimed at improving health and ensuring sustainable healthcare services.

Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, attended the seminar along with other distinguished guests.