Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a bilateral summit meeting on Tuesday, emphasising stronger ties between the two countries and expanded cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, technology, space research, infrastructure and regional and international affairs.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called on the Japanese government and private sector to play a more active role in achieving Bangladesh’s economic development, technological advancement and industrialisation goals.

He said his government was working to transform Bangladesh into a hub for economic activity, technology and manufacturing. 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, he noted.

Tarique Rahman said Japan held a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. Japan was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971 and had remained one of its most important development partners ever since, he said.

The relationship between the two countries had been built on mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to peace, prosperity and stability, he added.

The prime minister recalled his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s two visits to Japan, as well as the contribution of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening Bangladesh-Japan relations. He pledged to follow in their footsteps and take bilateral ties to new heights.

Energy security and cooperation

The Bangladesh prime minister placed particular emphasis on ensuring the country’s energy security, saying a reliable and affordable energy supply was essential to sustaining economic growth.

Expressing gratitude for Japan’s longstanding cooperation, he referred to the recent emergency loan assistance of 50 billion Japanese yen under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative to strengthen energy security in Asia.

He called for increased Japanese investment and participation in Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy sectors.

Technology, artificial intelligence and space research

As part of efforts to build a technology-driven economy, Tarique Rahman proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park.

He stressed the importance of connecting Japanese companies, universities and investors with Bangladesh’s young talent, entrepreneurs and skilled workforce in the technology sector.

The proposed tech park would prioritise sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing, he said.

He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies, drawing on Japan’s advanced capabilities in these fields.

Infrastructure, high-speed rail and connectivity

The prime minister outlined plans to develop modern and integrated transport infrastructure to accelerate economic growth.

He said the plans included establishing a high-speed rail network connecting the country’s six major divisional cities and constructing elevated roads across Bangladesh.

He sought Japanese assistance in planning, technical support, investment and financing for such major 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.

Expanding trade and investment

Welcoming fresh investment by Japanese businesses in Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman said his government was committed to improving the investment climate by enhancing transparency, predictability and efficiency in regulatory systems, tax policies, customs clearance and fund transfers.

He expressed hope that the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would be implemented soon, stressing that both sides needed to work together to ensure that its benefits reached the people of the two countries.

United Nations, Indo-Pacific and Rohingya crisis

Discussing regional and international issues, the prime minister highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism, international 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.

Tarique Rahman expressed his expectation that Bangladesh would work closely with Japan under the foreign minister’s presidency to strengthen multilateral cooperation and address global challenges.

Reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, he emphasised the need to enhance bilateral cooperation to promote regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth.

The prime minister 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.

He appreciated Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts on behalf of Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and sheltered in Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman urged Japan to maintain active engagement with all parties to help establish peace and stability in Rakhine State.

A lasting solution to the crisis lay in Myanmar itself, he said, stressing that the Rohingyas must be able to return to their homeland promptly, voluntarily, safely and with dignity.

Proposal for joint commission to take ties to new heights

In his concluding remarks, Tarique Rahman said the summit would open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations while preserving the historic continuity of their friendship.

He expressed hope that the new chapter would be founded on deeper trust, broader economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity.

The prime minister proposed establishing a ministerial-level joint commission to identify priority areas for both countries, accelerate implementation and turn opportunities for cooperation into practical initiatives.

He also stressed the importance of closer engagement and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

Noting that constructive discussions at the meeting had further strengthened their shared aspirations for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, Tarique Rahman invited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

He expressed confidence that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan would continue to deepen and expand on the basis of mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity.