Japan pledges economic, defence deals will be honoured, government to review ‘national interest’

Prime Minister Tarique’s senior advisor says the government will examine whether it serves Bangladesh’s interests

Japan has “assured” the new government that economic and defence agreements signed during the interim tenure will be implemented, though the BNP administration says it will first examine whether the deals serve the “country’s interests”.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi on Tuesday.

Also attending the meeting were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir, and Mahdi Amin, advisor on education and expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment.

Speaking after the meeting, the Japanese ambassador said the two sides discussed expanding bilateral ties.

“We formed strategic partnership and we have also talked with our shared vision of freedom in the Pacific as well as the agreement which was recently signed, one is the economic partnership agreement, the defence agreement and technology transfer agreement,” he said.

“We confirm the smooth implementation of these agreements,” he added.

Earlier this month, on Aug 6, the interim government signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.

According to a statement issued after the deal, nearly 7,379 Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments, will receive 100 percent duty-free access to the Japanese market.

In return, 1,039 Japanese products will gradually receive duty-free or preferential access in Bangladesh.

Two days earlier, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government had signed a separate agreement with Japan on defence equipment and technology transfer.

Responding to a question after Tuesday’s meeting, Advisor Kabir said the new government would review the defence cooperation agreement before making a decision.

“He just mentioned that the defence cooperation agreement has been signed,” Kabir said.

“Let us see the note of advice… what the interim government has left behind. After reviewing that, we will decide our next step.

“If it serves our interests, it may continue. If not, we will reconsider. So let us see what has been left by the interim government. Without reviewing it, no comment can be made.”

Asked whether the third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport was discussed, the Japanese ambassador said: “We touched upon all our economic cooperation. I really don’t want to comment on this issue.”