Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Pay Four-Day Visit to Japan on October 26

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to embark on a four-day official visit to Japan on October 26, at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The upcoming visit is expected to bring discussions on economy, investment, energy, infrastructure, and skilled manpower export to the forefront. Running from October 26 to 29, the tour will feature bilateral talks between the two heads of government, as well as a scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Emperor Naruhito of Japan. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Tokyo confirmed the dates and itinerary of the visit on October 6. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are likely to prioritize further strengthening strategic partnership, expanding investment, enhancing bilateral trade, energy cooperation, and manpower export. Discussions will also focus on attracting Japanese investment and expanding Japanese business operations in Bangladesh. Investment, Trade, and Manpower Export The visit is also expected to emphasize expanding investment, organizing business conferences, and reviewing progress in manpower export. Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding several bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs). Among them, an MoU concerning the deployment of Bangladeshi workers to Japan is in its final stages, according to diplomatic sources, and could be signed during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit if both sides reach final agreement. Programs such as the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP), Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), and various professional employment categories play a crucial role in enabling Bangladeshi workers to enter the Japanese labor market. Bangladesh has already initiated efforts to enhance language and technical training to export skilled labor to Japan. Streamlining the process for sending Bangladeshi workers to Japan and creating new opportunities are also expected to remain key agenda items during the visit. Japanese Megaprojects Under Discussion Infrastructure constitutes a major share of Japan’s development cooperation in Bangladesh. Consequently, the progress of major projects financed by Japan assumes significant importance in the context of the Prime Minister’s visit. These initiatives include the Dhaka Metro Rail, Matarbari Deep-Sea Port, and the Third Terminal project at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Japanese loan assistance is also extended to the second phase of the Matarbari Port Development Project, which aims to enhance Bangladesh’s cargo handling capacity and improve regional logistics. Japanese financial support similarly backs the Dhaka MRT-6 project. Additionally, Japan’s loan assistance contributes to the expansion project of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which encompasses the construction of a third international passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and related infrastructure. Under Japan’s broader development framework centered around Matarbari, integrated initiatives are underway for the development of the port, roads, railways, energy sector and industrial zones. Subsequent phases, financing, implementation pace, and new investment opportunities for these projects may feature in the visit’s discussions. However, as of information released up to October 6, there is no official confirmation that these specific projects form part of the Prime Minister’s formal meeting agenda; hence, they are viewed within the broader context of potential economic and development cooperation. Implementation of EPA Takes Precedence Over New Agreements A significant milestone has already been achieved in Bangladesh-Japan economic relations, with both nations signing an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Tokyo on February 6, 2026. This marks Bangladesh’s inaugural EPA. The agreement aims to improve market access for goods and services and refine trade and investment regulatory frameworks to foster stronger economic ties. Consequently, rather than initiating a new EPA during the October visit, the primary focus in economic diplomacy leans toward implementing the existing agreement, boosting bilateral trade, and leveraging investment opportunities- especially with Bangladesh’s scheduled LDC graduation approaching, which necessitates safeguarding export advantages and competitiveness in the Japanese market. Bangladesh is officially scheduled to graduate from the LDC category on November 24, 2026. Consequently, the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan in late October will take place mere weeks before this transition takes effect. Diplomatic Preparation Ahead of the Visit Diplomatic groundwork preceded the Prime Minister’s tour. During the 7th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka on August 12, Hiroyuki Namazu, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered an invitation from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Japan. That meeting encompassed discussions on deepening bilateral strategic partnership, as well as trade, investment, economic cooperation, and regional and global issues. Notably, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s inaugural foreign tour following his assumption of office was to Malaysia and China. Following his first overseas visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman undertook his second major international trip to the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Building upon the momentum of the Prime Minister’s earlier travels, the primary significance of the Japan visit is economic. High expectations surround expanding cooperation across investment, infrastructure, commerce, energy, technology, and manpower with Japan, a longstanding development partner. In particular, key aspirations involve expanding opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers in the Japanese labor market and simplifying recruitment procedures under the SSW and Technical Intern Training frameworks. Concurrently, discussions regarding subsequent phases, fresh financing, and implementation speeds for Japan-financed projects like the Matarbari Port, Metro Rail, and the airport’s third terminal could further broaden the economic agenda. Nevertheless, these specific topics have not yet been formally announced as confirmed agenda items for the Prime Minister’s meetings. Against the backdrop of the scheduled LDC graduation on November 24, reinforcing Bangladesh’s export capacity, investment climate, and commercial ties with Japan remains critical. With the Bangladesh-Japan EPA already signed, the pivotal question centers on translating its benefits into tangible trade and investment outcomes. Therefore, the upcoming four-day visit commencing on October 26 carries expectations that extend beyond signing new memorandums. The core potential deliverables of the tour will likely be the implementation of existing agreements, securing new investments, increasing the inflow of Bangladeshi workers into the Japanese labor market, strengthening infrastructure cooperation, and laying a renewed foundation for commercial relations post-LDC graduation. Maksuda Lisa: Maksuda Lisa is a senior journalist and one of Bangladesh’s early-generation women sports journalists, with 18 years of experience working across leading national newspapers, including Dainik Banglabazar and Manab Zamin, as well as television, print media, and online news portals. She is currently a Staff Correspondent at Pressenza International Press Agency (Dhaka Bureau). She is the first woman elected Sports Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and served two consecutive terms. Alongside journalism, she has been actively involved in cricket-particularly women’s cricket- through team management, coaching, and organizational roles. She served as a Liaison Officer at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2014, Manager of the Pink Team in the BCB Women’s Cricket Cup, and Manager of the Dhaka Abahani women’s team. A former first-class cricketer with a 15-year competitive career, she represented Dhaka and Sylhet Divisions at the competitive level. She is currently a National Panel Umpire with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Organising Secretary of the Bangladesh Women Cricketers Association (BWCA). She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.

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