Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to leave Dhaka early Wednesday for a four-day official visit to Japan, where he will attend the 30th Nikkei Forum and engage in discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Acting Foreign Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique shared details of the visit during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit is expected to witness the signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on cooperation in investment, energy, and technology sectors. Additionally, an Exchange of Notes is anticipated concerning budgetary support and the upgrade of the Joydebpur-Ishwardi railway line to a dual-gauge double-track.
The Chief Adviser is scheduled to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:10 am on Wednesday aboard a Cathay Pacific flight via Hong Kong, arriving at Narita International Airport at 2:30 pm local time. Upon arrival, he will be received with state honours by Japan’s Chief of Protocol, senior Japanese officials, and the Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan.
The visit will commence with a courtesy call by Taro Aso, President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League, followed by a dinner hosted by Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. Professor Yunus will then engage in an interactive meeting with prominent Japanese dignitaries.
On May 29, Professor Yunus will meet senior executives from Nikkei Inc. before delivering the keynote address at the inaugural plenary session of the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia. His speech will focus on “Asia’s Challenge in a Turbulent World,” emphasizing collaborative actions for a sustainable future. Notable attendees at the forum include leaders from Laos, Palau, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
The Chief Adviser will also participate in a Human Resource Development Seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, addressing Bangladesh’s potential to contribute to Japan’s workforce. He will meet with JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko to review ongoing cooperation and JICA-funded projects in Bangladesh, and provide interviews to leading Japanese media outlets.
A significant aspect of the visit is the official bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 30. Discussions will cover strategic issues such as trade, investment, infrastructure, agricultural cooperation, human resources, and the Rohingya crisis. Professor Yunus will also interview with Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s largest newspaper.
Subsequently, Dr Yunus will meet JETRO President Kimura Fukunari to discuss trade and investment enhancement. He will participate in a roundtable with Japanese investors and attend the “Bangladesh Business Seminar.” In recognition of his contributions to social innovation, Soka University will confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree upon him.
The visit will conclude with a community reception and dinner hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy and Ambassador to Japan. Professor Yunus is scheduled to depart Tokyo on May 31, arriving in Dhaka later that night.