Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has returned home after concluding a significant four-day official visit to Japan, which saw numerous agreements forged to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. A Singapore Airlines flight carrying Prof Yunus and his delegation landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 12:15 am, as confirmed by Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder to BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus’s visit to Tokyo involved about 20 engagements, including a pivotal meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The meeting marked a substantial elevation in Bangladesh-Japan relations, with both leaders committing to finalize an Economic Partnership Agreement in the coming months, aimed at bolstering economic and trade ties.
During the bilateral talks, Japan pledged US$ 1.063 billion in budget support and railway development for Bangladesh. The visit saw the signing of three key documents: the Development Policy Loan for Economic Reform and Strengthening Climate Change Resilience (418 million USD), the Loan for the Joydebpur-Ishwardi dual-gauge double-lane railway project (641 million USD), and a grant for the human development scholarship (4.2 million USD).
Prof Yunus also participated in the ‘Bangladesh Business Seminar,’ leading to the signing of six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on economic, investment, and other cooperative areas. These developments followed earlier agreements aimed at enhancing Bangladeshi manpower skills and facilitating employment in Japan, where a labor shortage persists.
On his Japan tour, Prof Yunus delivered a keynote speech at the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and engaged with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, seeking support for Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership bid. He also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Soka University, acknowledging his contributions to social innovation and global development.
The Chief Adviser, who arrived in Tokyo on May 28, was previously honored with the Nikkei Asia Prize in 2004. His recent visit underlines the ongoing commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s international partnerships and economic development.