PM seeks investment, Rohingya repatriation support in Tokyo talks
Photo: PMO
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought Japan’s cooperation to boost Japanese investment in Bangladesh, expand bilateral trade, and facilitate technology transfer, while also requesting continued support for the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas.
He discussed these matters on Monday at 3 pm local time during a meeting with a delegation from the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
Former Japanese PM and President of the organization Taro Aso led the visiting delegation.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin confirmed the information, adding that meeting attendees emphasized further strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people contacts between both nations.
In light of the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, Tarique requested Aso’s cooperation in expanding Japanese investment, scaling up bilateral trade, and advancing technology transfer. He also expressed expectations for Japan’s assistance in implementing Bangladesh’s development priorities and building a skilled human resource pool.
Reminiscing about his long-standing relationship with Aso, Tarique recalled meeting him in 2006 during a visit to Japan as the then senior joint secretary general of BNP. He commended Aso’s contributions toward advancing bilateral relations with Bangladesh while serving in key positions, including prime minister, deputy prime minister, and finance minister of Japan.
The discussions also addressed the Rohingya crisis, with Tarique seeking Japan’s cooperation to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Moreover, Tarique extended an invitation to Aso and members of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League to visit Bangladesh, expressing confidence that such visits would deepen parliamentary friendship, mutual cooperation, and bilateral ties between the two countries.
