BanglaPress Desk: Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has urged Japan to continue its cooperation in implementing Bangladesh’s development priorities, ensuring energy security, and improving the quality of life for its people.
The Prime Minister made this call during a courtesy meeting with Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at Hotel Imperial on Monday (October 26) at 5:10 PM (Japan Standard Time). JICA Senior Vice President Hara Shohei and other senior officials from the agency were also present.
This was conveyed by Shahadat Swadhin, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister.
At the outset of the meeting, the Prime Minister recalled the productive discussions held in Dhaka during the JICA President’s visit to Bangladesh in July 2026. He expressed his gratitude for Japan’s long-standing support and JICA’s significant contributions to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development.
Highlighting the vital role of Japanese assistance in the country’s infrastructure development, socio-economic progress, and the realization of its development aspirations, the Prime Minister stated, “It is essential to deepen the long-standing friendly relations between the two nations and continue our cooperation with Japan to further Bangladesh’s development and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.”
The meeting emphasized the timely completion of major ongoing development projects supported by Japan. Discussions also focused on accelerating the approval and implementation of priority projects currently awaiting authorization.
Given Bangladesh’s current development priorities, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of continuing to provide concessional loans and expanding technical cooperation from Japan.
During the meeting, the Bangladeshi side presented several key proposals, including the establishment of a ‘Bangladesh-Japan Skills Partnership,’ the creation of a ‘Technological Village and Innovation City,’ and increased Japanese collaboration in the sectors of agricultural modernization, agro-processing, and light engineering.
Furthermore, in light of the current global energy landscape, a request was made for budgetary support—similar to that provided last year—to help meet the country’s energy demands and ensure energy security. In response, the JICA President reaffirmed the commitment to work together toward achieving Bangladesh’s prosperity.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that these initiatives would further strengthen the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan and play a significant role in realizing shared prosperity for both nations.
Also present at the meeting on behalf of Bangladesh were Minister of Finance and Planning Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat; the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir; State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit; and the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, as well as Science and Technology, Rehan Asif Asad.
Additionally, the meeting was attended by the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment (Asia-Pacific region) Dr. Md. Shakirul Islam Khan; Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky; the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Ruman; and other senior officials of the Government of Bangladesh.
BP/KJ
