Japan ‘signals support’ for raising Bangladesh's energy aid package to $500 million

Japanese delegation invites Tarique to visit Japan and pledges five patrol boats for the Bangladesh Navy

Japan has “responded positively” to Bangladesh's request to increase its energy sector assistance from $312 million to $500 million

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the assurance came during talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

The Japanese delegation was led by Shimada Tomoaki, Japan's parliamentary vice-minister for foreign affairs.

The two sides reviewed progress on JICA-funded projects in Bangladesh, including the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, MRT lines, and the third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to expediting the implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which was signed earlier.

The five-member Japanese delegation included Ambassador Saida Shinichi, Foreign Ministry International Cooperation Bureau Director Hirose Aiko, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko, and JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Takahashi Junko.

The delegation informed the premier that Japan would provide five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.

Tarique expressed optimism that construction of the third terminal at Shahjalal International Airport would be completed by December, the PMO said.

The meeting also discussed the Rohingya crisis, with the prime minister seeking Japan's continued support and a more active international role in ensuring the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

The Japanese delegation invited Tarique to visit Japan. In response, the prime minister said he hoped to make the trip at a mutually convenient time.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, and other senior advisers attended the meeting.