Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership through the "BIG-B" vision, aimed at transforming Bangladesh into a key industrial, logistics, and trade hub anchored by the development of the Matarbari-Maheshkhali region. The two prime ministers, Sheikh Hasina Rahman of Bangladesh and Sanae Takaichi of Japan, announced the plan during a bilateral meeting that focused on infrastructure, regional connectivity, energy security, and economic cooperation.
Central to the initiative is the Matarbari Deep-sea Port, along with industrial and information and communications technology (ICT) facilities, designed to boost regional logistics and energy infrastructure. Both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing resilience against natural disasters, geopolitical uncertainties, and economic disruptions by fostering public-private partnerships and promoting peaceful cooperation.
The countries also agreed to strengthen supply chains in key sectors such as manufacturing, food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and ICT, responding to global challenges like technological change and growing geopolitical risks. Infrastructure development was a significant discussion point, with plans to fast-track the early operationalisation of the third terminal at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and to accelerate construction of Dhaka’s mass rapid transit (MRT) lines. They also committed to further deliberations on the management and operation of the Matarbari Deep-sea Port.
Energy cooperation emerged as a priority, with a focus on improving oil stockpiles, supply-demand balance, and coordination between energy-producing and consuming nations. Japan has extended a 50 billion yen emergency loan to Bangladesh under the POWERR Asia initiative, marking its first yen-loan project aimed at enhancing Bangladesh’s economic resilience and stable energy supply. Both leaders agreed to expand collaboration on climate change, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, highlighted by the recent signing of a climate cooperation agreement between their respective environment ministries.
Japan urged Bangladesh to improve its investment climate to attract greater foreign direct investment, which Prime Minister Rahman supported by citing government efforts to enhance transparency, regulatory predictability, and customs procedures. A memorandum of cooperation was endorsed between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division to improve business environments, alongside agreements to deepen ties in food, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors.
Both countries committed to maintaining momentum in bilateral trade and investment, reaffirming their dedication to implementing the Japan–Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed earlier this year, which aims to diversify Bangladesh’s industrial base and facilitate its transition from least-developed country status. Japan expressed interest in Bangladesh’s potential accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Security cooperation was also on the agenda, amid growing regional uncertainty. The leaders welcomed an agreement on defense equipment transfer, as well as Japan’s provision of patrol vessels to Bangladesh under official development assistance and security programs. They agreed to explore further collaboration in maritime surveillance, coastal patrol, and port security, while reiterating support for peaceful resolutions of maritime disputes under international law.
Regarding humanitarian and geopolitical issues, both leaders called for an end to violence in Myanmar, improved humanitarian access, and a peaceful resolution to the Rohingya crisis, with an emphasis on the voluntary, safe, and sustainable return of refugees. They also discussed the Middle East situation, urging de-escalation and secure maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, affirming support for a two-state solution to the Palestine conflict.
Beyond economic and security dimensions, Rahman and Takaichi agreed to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, disaster response, waste management, and human resource development. Japan is supporting local governance reforms in Bangladesh through a yen-loan program aimed at strengthening administrative and fiscal capacities at the local level. The leaders also endorsed initiatives to promote Japanese language education, academic exchanges, and scholarships, as well as capacity-building for senior Bangladeshi officials.
Takaichi congratulated Rahman on a peaceful and credible general election in February 2026, expressing a desire to visit Bangladesh, an offer warmly received by the Bangladeshi prime minister. Both sides underscored their intent to hold further economic dialogues and facilitate Japanese business delegations to sustain and deepen bilateral engagement.