Tarique Rahman Arrives In Japan With $2 Billion Financing Package In Focus
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a four-day official visit aimed at boosting trade, attracting Japanese investment and strengthening cooperation in infrastructure, energy and technology. The visit comes as Dhaka seeks new economic partnerships and prepares for crucial talks with Japan on financing and development projects.
Rahman, accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and a 15-member delegation, arrived at Narita International Airport aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone received him before he travelled to Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel.
Rahman is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday for bilateral talks, followed by a joint announcement and luncheon. Discussions will focus on strengthening the two countries’ strategic partnership, implementing the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in February 2026, and expanding access for Bangladeshi products to Japanese markets.
Officials are discussing several memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements covering agriculture, fisheries, skills development, civil aviation, energy, trade and local governance. Reports indicate that the two countries could agree on around US$2 billion in loans and financial support, including budgetary assistance and infrastructure development. Japan is also expected to facilitate a separate 1 trillion yen in private-sector investment in Bangladesh over five years, according to media reports. These proposals have not been confirmed as final agreements.
Rahman will meet Japanese development and financial institutions, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, besides engaging with major business representatives. His itinerary includes visits to energy and industrial facilities, UNIQLO’s headquarters and a Toyota factory. He will also deliver the keynote address at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum.
Japan has been a major development partner for Bangladesh since diplomatic relations were established in 1972. Japanese assistance has supported projects including Dhaka’s metro rail, the third terminal at the capital’s international airport and infrastructure development at Matarbari.
Meanwhile, Rahman’s first bilateral visit to India since becoming prime minister remains pending. Relations have been strained by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India and Dhaka’s demand for her extradition.
Bangladesh’s absence from the September BRICS Summit in New Delhi also reflected diplomatic sensitivities. A possible visit to India in late November or early December could coincide with preparations for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which expires on December 12, 2026.