Tokyo:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday called for Japan's support in enhancing investment and trade, skilled human resource development, and the safe, voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. This appeal was made during a meeting with a delegation of Japanese lawmakers headed by former Prime Minister Taro Aso.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting took place at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo at 300 pm local time, where Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin provided details. Prime Minister Rahman expressed gratitude to Taro Aso for his contributions to strengthening Bangladesh-Japan relations through the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League (JBPFL).
During the discussions, Prime Minister Rahman recalled his previous meeting with Taro Aso in 2006 and acknowledged Aso's positive role in bilateral relations during his time as Japan's prime minister, deputy prime minister, and finance minister. The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people connections.
Prime Minister Rahman sought support for increased Japanese investment, expanded trade, and technology transfer following the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two nations. Additionally, he hoped for Japan's continued assistance in Bangladesh's development priorities and skilled human resource development. The ongoing Rohingya crisis was also discussed, with Rahman requesting Japan's support for the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The Prime Minister invited Taro Aso and JBPFL members to visit Bangladesh, expressing hope that such a visit would enhance parliamentary friendship and bilateral cooperation. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tatsunori Ibayashi.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Rahman arrived in Tokyo on a four-day official visit, leading a 16-member high-level delegation.