Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has pledged to work closely with Bangladesh to further enhance the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, promising to elevate the existing excellent ties to even a greater height. Bangladesh now has a precious opportunity to seize towards a brighter future, he said, adding that the road to a new nation-building will not necessarily be a smooth one. "The relationship between Japan and Bangladesh is firmly bound together by trust and friendship. I would like to ask for your kind understanding and cooperation in this endeavor," the Ambassador said in a message shared on Wednesday marking his recent assumption of office. Dr Yunus engages with global leaders, seeks support to bring back stolen money Ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals is of utmost importance to all Japanese diplomatic missions abroad, said the Ambassador. Taking the tragedy of the 2016 Dhaka terrorist attacks to heart, the envoy said, he will carry out his duties at the vanguard of the Embassy’s efforts for the safety and security of Japanese nationals residing in Bangladesh. Known as the “Golden Bengal” boasting a rich culture and nature, Ambassador Saida Shinichi said Bangladesh is a beautiful country filled with the warmth of its people’s hearts. Located in a zone of strategic importance facing the Bay of Bengal and connecting the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, he said Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in regional development. "I am deeply honored to be able serve as Ambassador to this country," said the envoy. For more than half a century since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh in 1972, Saida Shinichi said Japan has been nurturing friendly relations with Bangladesh. Especially recent years have witnessed the bilateral relations realising remarkable progress in a wide range of areas under the “Strategic Partnership”. New US Secretary of State Rubio meets Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar First, the envoy said, the deepening of economic relations: In the field of development cooperation, Japan, as the largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh, has been developing infrastructure such as the Dhaka Metro, while at the same time steadily building up cooperation in the social development areas such as health and education. On the business front, he said, as many Japanese companies continue to expand in Bangladesh, efforts are being made to improve the trade and investment environment through public-private partnerships. In addition, Saida Shinichi said, in view of Bangladesh’s graduation from the LDC status in 2026, both Governments are vigorously pursuing negotiations to conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Second, the strengthening of political and security cooperation: Various exchange and cooperation programs are actively underway between the two countries, including port calls by naval vessels and exchanges between military units. Besides, under the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, the Japanese Government has selected Bangladesh as one of the first beneficiary countries of a new cooperation framework, “Official Security Assistance (OSA)”. Patrol boats will be provided to the Bangladesh Navy under this framework. Will support you, German Chancellor tells Dr Yunus on Bangladesh's transition to democracy Third, there has been notable progress in people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries, whether in business, study abroad or culture. The Japanese language and culture are attracting growing interest in this country, with many young Bangladeshis seeking opportunities to study or work in Japan. The development of such a friendly cooperative relationship is a significant achievement of the steadfast efforts by many people in both countries, including those in the private sector and at the grassroots level. "For my part, I would like to further advance the bilateral relations while cherishing the strong ties that unite the people of the two countries," said Saida Shinichi. The political uprising that took place in this country last summer has led to the formation of an interim government led by Dr Yunus, the Chief Adviser, said the envoy. "A number of challenges may lie ahead. All the more, respectful of ownership of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Yunus, Japan will firmly stand by them to support their reform efforts and will actively cooperate with them to ensure that Bangladesh achieves a democratic political transition through free and fair elections, thereby making strides on a path toward stable development," said the Ambassador. "With this policy in mind, I will earnestly fulfill my duties as Ambassador of Japan at this historic juncture," he said.

Referring to Japan’s friendship with Bangladesh and India, outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori on Sunday said the spirit of connectivity transcends borders and politics creating the trust needed to achieve regional stability and mutual growth. As a friend of Bangladesh and India, Japan believes that the relations based on mutual trust is "essential" for exploring regional connectivity, said the Japanese envoy at a seminar. Kiminori is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Tokyo wrapping up his two years tenure in Bangladesh. "In discussing the issue of connectivity, I cannot but touch upon the current relations between Bangladesh and India," he said, adding that he finds the recently held Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and India at the foreign secretary-level a "good signal" to that end. Supported by the Embassy of Japan, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) hosted the international seminar on "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interests" at the BIISS auditorium. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke at the seminar as the chief guest while the first working session was chaired by Chairperson, Bay of Bengal Institute, Cosmos Foundation Tarik A. Karim. Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS and Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS also spoke. Ambassador Kiminori said the Bay of Bengal region holds an immense potential for trade and investment. He briefly talked about Myanmar, noting that they have to see the reality along the borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar. "Specially, we have to think about how to deal with the Rohingya crisis," he said, highlighting the importance of continuing discussion with all stakeholders to deal with the situation in the future. The Ambassador said Japan has been continuously supporting to ease the burden on Bangladesh and its people. "We will continue to do so under the new government." In his speech, Foreign Adviser Hossain said they are aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7-plus years. There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, he said. The Adviser is just back from an informal consultation in Bangkok at the invitation of the Thai Foreign Minister, where the Foreign Ministers of Myanmar and Laos, Deputy Foreign Minister of China and the Indian Foreign Secretary were present. "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights," Hossain said. Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, said the Foreign Adviser. Ambassador Kiminori said the Bay of Bengal's strategic importance is "undisputed" and by reconnecting this region, they are not merely creating economic opportunities, but they are fostering peace, stability and prosperity for the future generations. The Ambassador said Japan remains committed to working hand in hand with Bangladesh and other partners to realise the vision of a "connected, resilient and economically vibrant" Bay of Bengal region. He expressed Japan’s commitment to continuing cooperation with Bangladesh in the future. "I sincerely hope this country’s continued prosperity," said the envoy, announcing his completion of tenure in Dhaka.

The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh organized a reporting session for students and teachers who participated in an exchange program in Japan at the residence of Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori. Ten students, along with two teachers from Playpen School in Dhaka headed to Japan, to take part in an immersive cultural exchange program with the aim of fostering strong bonds and mutual understanding between the two countries.  The delegation stayed with the host families during their visit, and they paid courtesy calls on Hideaki Omura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture and the Mayor of Tokoname City, Tatsuya Ito along with attending various academic and cultural exchange events. U.S. Embassy inaugurates new American corner in Sylhet The exchange program was organized by the Tokoname City Students' International Exchange Conference Association (TSIE), and the Tokoname City Council, with the support by Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. In Wednesday's reporting session, the delegation members shared their experiences from their visits to Japan. In addition, the senior students who participated in other Japan visit programs also shared their views on people-to-people exchange initiatives by Japan.’

The government would take appropriate steps if any foreign diplomat crosses the line, said Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday (June 5, 2023). "There was such a phase six months ago. If it (crossing line) happens again, we will take steps taking that into cognisance. However, I am not aware of anything as of now," he said. Read more: ‘Undivided India’ map at new parliament: No reason for confusion, Dhaka waiting for official version from Delhi, says Shahriar Alam The State Minister made the remarks when a reporter drew his attention about Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori’s visit to the Election Commission and his meeting with a political party. Read more: Exaggeration, inconsistency in Congressmen’s letter: Shahriar Alam Earlier, former Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki made comments on Bangladesh's last national election, and Bangladesh described Naoki's comments on Bangladesh's election "unexpected."

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday (June 4, 2023) said the country’s people, not the Prime Minister, will decide whether they will go to the USA or not. “It is her (PM’s) personal matter whether she will go to any particular country or not. It’s also a matter of their decision whether the 17 crore people of Bangladesh will go to that country or not,” he said. Talking to reporters after a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Khosru also said the people of Bangladesh will decide whether they will go to the USA for their personal, business, professional, family and educational purposes. “The Prime Minister can’t take a decision in this regard,” Khosru, also the chairman of BNP’s foreign affairs committee, observed. Also read: Japan wants to understand what’s happening in Bangladesh and where it’s headed, BNP says as ambassador meets Fakhrul Earlier on Saturday (June 3, 2023), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it does not matter at all if someone does not go to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 20-hour- plane journey. “There are other oceans and other continents in the world and we’ll make friends with those continents crossing the other oceans. Our economy will be stronger and more developed and vibrant,” she added. The PM also said Bangladesh will run on its own feet and the government will build the country. “We will not be dependent on others, who will not give us visas, who will impose sanctions on us.” Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the Prime Minister is not worried about the US sanctions or visa restrictions but a neutral election. Read more: BNP’s complaints to foreign countries didn’t yield any results: Quader “The Prime Minister becomes ill and suffers from headache when any country talks about fair elections under a neutral caretaker government,” he said. Speaking at a food distribution programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal’s Dhaka south city unit on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office marking party founder’s 42nd death anniversary, Rizvi said the Prime Minister said it matters little if anyone does not go to the USA. “Then why don't you keep your son in the country? Why do your sons and daughters live abroad? Why did you keep your son in the United States instead of any other friendly country of yours?” he questioned. He said Sheikh Hasina will not take any steps for holding a fair election and establishing a caretaker government as she considers the country’s people as her enemies. Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul “If an impartial caretaker government is established, the people of the country will be able to vote freely and fairly. She knows people won’t ‘vote for her party. So, doesn’t want a neutral caretaker government to come,” the BNP leader said.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori met BNP’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (June 4, 2023) and discussed Bangladesh’s next general election and the overall political situation. Talking to reporters after the meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, the party’s standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that Japan, like other democratic countries, wants to see a free, fair, and acceptable election in Bangladesh. Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul “Bangladesh’s relations with Japan expanded significantly since we started the free market economy during the BNP government. That is why they (Japan) want that relation to continue even if the government changes,” he said. Chowdhury, along with the party’s Organising Secretary Shama Obaid, was present at the meeting. They discussed the overall electoral system of Bangladesh and the current human rights situation, he said. Like other countries, Japan might have concerns about Bangladesh’s next election, human rights situation, rule of law, press freedom, and people’s security, the BNP leader said. “So, they want to understand what is happening in Bangladesh, what is going to happen in the future, and where is Bangladesh headed?” – he said. Read more: Movement to restore democracy going towards final stage rapidly: Fakhrul Chowdhury, also the foreign affairs committee chairman of BNP, said the Japanese envoy talked about his country’s investment in Bangladesh – both in the private and public sectors. He said they informed Iwama Kiminori about the country’s overall situation, but he declined to elaborate on it. The BNP leader said many countries are concerned about the investment atmosphere and the future of Bangladesh. “The situation we’re going through now has created apprehension among countries. So, they’re trying to understand how Bangladesh will be in the future and how the election will be.” Read more: ‘We’re taking plan according to road map prepared for national election,’ CEC tells Japanese Envoy Asked whether Japan will play any role in ensuring a peaceful and fair election in Bangladesh, Chowdhury said the democratic countries have already expressed their goodwill regarding the elections in Bangladesh. “Japan is no different. Everyone wants a free, fair, and acceptable election in Bangladesh.” He said the new Japanese ambassador has paid a courtesy call on the BNP secretary general. Stating that Bangladesh-Japan friendship is time-tested, the BNP leader said bilaterally, friendly relationship with Japan is above all. Read more: Japan eyes broader ties with Bangladesh under strategic partnership: Ambassador Kiminori

Appreciating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s “far-sighted vision and political astuteness” Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said the completion of Padma Bridge  demonstrates what Bangladesh can do for its economic development and stability. “Padma Bridge has been done on its own initiative and on its own funding. This is the bridge of national dream and pride. This bridge will truly fulfill the growth potential of Bangladesh,” he told a small group of journalists at his residence on Tuesday. The Japanese envoy said the year 2022 will be remembered by the world with so many examples of quality infrastructure including Padma Bridge inauguration on June 25 and partial inauguration of metro rail later this year. He said Japan will continue to cooperate with Bangladesh for its development and will stand by this country in its development journey until the day Bangladesh fulfills vision 2041 and realizes the vision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build Sonar Bangla. Responding to a question, ambassador Naoki said their focus remains on a number of mega projects in Dhaka, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar in line with the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative for the construction of an industrial corridor. But, he added, for the sake of this industrial corridor’s (Dhaka, Ctg, Cox’s Bazar) better use, there should be better nationwide connectivity to see inclusive development. Naoki said the overall connectivity will be enhanced by the Padma Bridge and it will really vitalize the economy in Southern part of Bangladesh making rural economy vibrant. With this significant development, he said, the Padma Bridge will have an enormous economic impact. “Though Dhaka and Chattogram remain the main stage of the economy, rural economic development is important.” The envoy said he is quite sure that there will be opportunities for the Japanese private sector to look into business and investment opportunities even outside the BIG-B areas once this Padma Bridge becomes operational with enhanced connectivity in place. Recalling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Japan in 1996, Naoki said she made a request with the Japanese side for cooperation on two bridges – Padma Bridge and Rupsha Bridge. READ: Russia: Padma Bridge a true game changer

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has visited Bandarban to see development project there. He attended the handing over ceremony of the “The Project for Providing Bus Service for the Students and the Community Teachers in Bandarban District” to be implemented by JAAGO Foundation and supported by the government of Japan through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP). The project is expected to help improve the commuting environment for students and teachers, and provide access to education and continued learning in Bandarban. Read: Pursuing economic diplomacy to contribute to timely attainment of SDGs: FM Korvi Rakshand, Executive Director of JAAGO Foundation, volunteers of JAAGO Foundation and others also attended the ceremony. “I hope the school bus will help facilitate the access to education by students and teachers and help them go to school more safely and comfortably”, Ambassador Ito said.

Japan expects Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to pay an official visit to Japan in 2022, the year of 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, said Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki. On the auspicious occasion that falls on February 10, 2022, Bangladesh and Japan agreed to take their bilateral relations to the next level. The Japanese Ambassador highly appreciated the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and assured of continuing its support to Bangladesh. This was discussed when Japanese Ambassador Naiko met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at his office on Thursday. Also read: Rohingya Repatriation: Japan to encourage Myanmar to take concrete measures The State Minister and the Ambassador expressed their satisfaction at the ever-expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries and agreed to organize befitting commemorative events both in Dhaka and Tokyo. Ambassador Naoki expressed that the inauguration of Metro Rail Line 6 in 2022 would be an appropriate event on the 50th anniversary. The Japanese envoy also highlighted that the Arihajar Special Economic Zone would see Japanese and international investment worth of US$ 1 billion beginning next year. Shahriar Alam thanked the Japanese government for their continued development assistance to Bangladesh and encouraged more Japanese private investment for the mutual benefits of the two countries. Alam appreciated the Japanese government for their continued support to the Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh and highlighted that their early repatriation is a must for the sake of stability and security in the region. He urged Japan to use her influence to persuade Myanmar and the international community to create a conducive environment in Myanmar for the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas. Also read: Dhaka-Tokyo ties growing beyond bilateral front: Japanese Vice Minister Ambassador Naoki reiterated the commitment of the Japanese government’s continued support for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said Japan will keep working towards improving regional connectivity through infrastructure projects in the country. At the same time Tokyo will support Dhaka’s efforts at development and the stability, the ambassador said in a message marking two years as his country’s envoy in Bangladesh on Tuesday. "Japan will promote practical cooperation with Bangladesh to realize the vision of "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region," he said. Terming Japan the largest development partner of Bangladesh, the envoy said large-scale infrastructure projects that symbolize the country’s rapid economic growth are steadily underway.  The flagship projects are Dhaka Metro, expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Jamuna Railway Bridge, and Matarbari Deep Sea Port.  A trial run of Dhaka Metro Line 6 began in August, which is expected to open by the end of 2022.  "At the same time, we will redouble our efforts to improve the investment climate for Japanese companies as they expand their investment and their business. We will continue to address customs clearance, overseas remittance, import transaction settlement, and taxation challenges," said the ambassador. Read: Japan-Bangladesh focusing on infrastructure, business ties: Ito Naoki Resolving the issue of the Rohingya refugees is also crucial from the perspective of realizing FOIP,  he said. "The recent situation in Myanmar since the coup last February has made the repatriation of refugees more difficult," said the envoy. As the crisis is protracted, he said, it is urgent to improve the condition of refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, including education, skill training, and livelihood.  The envoy said they welcome the MoU recently signed between the government of Bangladesh and UN refugee agency to cooperate in the relocation plan of the refugees to Bashan Char Island.  "Japan will work with the international community for humanitarian assistance and the repatriation of the displaced people," Naoki said. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations next year Japan’s new Prime Minister Kishida Fumio wrote a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stating that he would strive to deepen cooperation between the two countries.  Japan will work "vigorously" to deepen understanding of Japan further, expand people-to-people exchange and promote Japanese culture in Bangladesh, by holding the anniversary events in 2022, said the envoy. For the sake of the safety and security of Japanese people living in Bangladesh and visitors to Bangladesh, he said, the embassy will make every effort to build a better relationship between Japan and Bangladesh in all fields, while asking for your opinions and cooperation. Read: Ambassador Ito sees 5 challenges ahead to elevate Dhaka-Tokyo ties The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted economic activities and cultural and people’s exchanges between Japan and Bangladesh during the one and half years.  "Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a year of deepening friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries," said the ambassador. From July to August, Japan provided more than 3 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine with Bangladesh.  "The gift from the Japanese people was to meet the needs of the people of Bangladesh facing the threat of COVID-19 infection," said the ambassador adding that they will also continue their efforts to make the vaccination available further to Japanese citizens in Bangladesh.