Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka shortly after midnight for a four-day official visit to Japan aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investment and expanding economic cooperation.
Rahman is expected to depart at 12:10 a.m. on Monday (October 26) aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight for Tokyo, according to local media reports.
The visit, scheduled for October 26–29, comes at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Rahman is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks with Takaichi at her office in Tokyo on Tuesday (October 27). The Japanese premier will also host a luncheon in his honour.
The talks are expected to focus on trade, investment, infrastructure development, technology cooperation and human resource development, alongside efforts to strengthen the countries' strategic partnership.
During the visit, Rahman is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders to discuss investment opportunities.
His tentative programme also includes meetings with senior officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Proposed visits include a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and a power plant in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, Uniqlo's offices and a Toyota factory in Nagoya.
Attracting Japanese investment, creating employment opportunities and accelerating ongoing development projects are expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
The two sides are also expected to discuss the implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed on February 6, 2026, and ways to expand market access for Bangladeshi products.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said several memorandums of understanding and cooperation arrangements were under discussion, covering agriculture, fisheries, skills development, civil aviation, trade, environmental conservation and local government modernisation.
The agreements could be signed during the visit, depending on the outcome of negotiations.
Regional and international issues, including the Rohingya crisis, energy security and regional stability, are also expected to feature in the talks.
Rahman will be accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and a delegation of ministers, advisers and senior government officials.
He is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on October 29 aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Narita.
FP/A
