Japan pledges $17.5 million for the Rohingya crisis during a high-level meeting with PM Tarique Rahman, Discussions focused on repatriation, Matarbari port, and the Economic Partnership Agreement
Japan has pledged $17.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support efforts addressing the Rohingya crisis, reaffirming its continued commitment to Bangladesh as the country hosts over a million displaced people from Myanmar.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Japanese officials and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his parliament office on Wednesday. The delegation was led by Japan’s Agriculture Minister and Special Envoy Suzuki Norikazu, who conveyed Tokyo’s intention to sustain humanitarian and development support.
During the meeting, the prime minister stressed the urgent need for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, describing it as a top national priority. He also underscored the importance of continued international engagement to resolve the protracted crisis.
The discussions extended beyond humanitarian aid, with both sides reviewing progress on major Japanese-funded infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. These include the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and the expansion of the metro rail network in Dhaka. The prime minister assured Japan of full cooperation to ensure their timely and smooth completion.
According to bdnews24.com, both sides also discussed advancing the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement, signaling a shared commitment to elevating bilateral trade and investment ties.
Norikazu expressed Japan’s interest in expanding exports of food products to Bangladesh and strengthening collaboration in agriculture and technology. In response, Tarique highlighted opportunities for Japanese investment in sectors such as agriculture, electronics, and automobiles, particularly to generate employment for Bangladesh’s youth.
He further pointed to the potential for exporting skilled Bangladeshi workers to Japan, especially in healthcare and agriculture, as Tokyo faces labor shortages in key sectors.
Describing Bangladesh and Japan as long-standing and trusted partners, both sides reaffirmed their intention to broaden cooperation across economic and strategic fronts. The Japanese delegation also extended an invitation to the prime minister for an official visit to Japan, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two countries.
