Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has emphasized continuing development cooperation with Japan and expediting the implementation of Bangladesh’s priority projects. Concurrently, Bangladesh has requested continued easy-term loan assistance, expanded technical cooperation, and budget support to ensure energy security, considering the country’s development priorities.
The Prime Minister emphasized these issues during a courtesy call with Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Monday (October 26). The meeting took place at 5:10 PM Japan time. JICA Senior Vice President Hara Shohei and other senior officials of the agency were present.
The Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary, Shahadat Swadhin, informed about the meeting.
Emphasis on Continued Development Cooperation
During the meeting, Tareque Rahman stated that Japan’s cooperation continues to play a vital role in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, socio-economic progress, and the realization of its development aspirations. He emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation with Japan to further deepen the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries, as well as to enhance Bangladesh’s development and improve the living standards of its people.
The Prime Minister also recalled the fruitful meeting held in Dhaka during JICA President’s visit to Bangladesh in July 2026. He expressed gratitude for Japan’s long-standing cooperation and JICA’s contributions to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development.
Call for Expedited Implementation of Development Projects
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on completing large-scale development projects currently underway with Japan’s assistance within the stipulated timeframe. Discussions also covered expediting the approval and implementation of priority projects awaiting authorization.
Considering Bangladesh’s current development priorities, the necessity of continued easy-term loan assistance from Japan and the expansion of technical cooperation was highlighted.
Proposal for Cooperation in Tech City and Agricultural Modernization
During the meeting, Bangladesh proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan skill development partnership, a technology and innovation city, and enhancing cooperation in agricultural modernization.
Furthermore, the expansion of Japan’s cooperation in agro-product processing and the light engineering sector was also raised.
Request for Budget Support for Energy Security
Considering the current global energy sector situation, Bangladesh requested Japan to provide budget support, similar to last year, to meet the country’s energy demand and ensure energy security.
The JICA President reiterated JICA’s commitment to working together for Bangladesh’s prosperity.
Tareque Rahman expressed hope that the proposed initiatives would further strengthen the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan and play a significant role in achieving shared prosperity for both nations.
Bangladesh Delegation at the Meeting
Among those present on behalf of Bangladesh during the meeting were Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit.
Additionally, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Employment in Asia-Pacific Region Dr. Md. Shakirul Islam Khan, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, along with other senior officials of the Bangladesh government, were present.
