Japan-Bangladesh bilateral relations emanate from the unwavering Japanese support for the cause of an independent Bangladesh. Japan recognized independent Bangladesh on 10 February 1972 and established diplomatic relations  Bangladesh nurture enduring gratitude for all Japanese who stood by in its trying hours. A bond of mutual goodwill and respect has since developed between the two peoples. The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited Japan from 18-24 October 1973. The visit of the Father of the Nation laid down the political foundation for advancing the bilateral relations between the two countries. Since then the bilateral relations between the two countries have developed steadily.

Japan has been instrumental in building the economic infrastructure, poverty alleviation efforts and human resources development including achievement in attainment of MDG goals for Bangladesh. Japan developed infrastructures including roads and bridges in Bangladesh which have directly helped its economy to grow. Japan played great role in supporting Bangladesh at the time of natural disasters. The friendly and peace-loving people in Bangladesh can hardly forget the friendly and peace-loving Japanese people and they discover among each other an ally. The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan grew from strength to strength and entered into an era of wider cooperation and understanding in recent years. The official visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan from 29 November- 02 December 2010 presented an ideal opportunity to take the bilateral relations to a new height. The signing of the Joint Statement between the two countries stipulated fundamental basis for the future bilateral engagements, including fresh political commitments from the government of Japan to undertake major development projects in Bangladesh and to expand bilateral trade and investment. The government of Japan, acknowledging measures undertaken by the government of Bangladesh for creating a middle income country enshrined in the ‘Vision 2021’, reaffirmed continued support in wider ranges of fields from social development to energy, power generation, communication infrastructure, investment, trade, textile, garments and IT projects. 

One reality is Japan’s interest in South Asia. As a region, South Asia is perhaps not as important to Japan as Southeast Asia, its own region Far East or Europe or USA. Japan continues to retain its interest in Bangladesh as an important development partner. In fact, in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its ODA to Bangladesh is referred to as a model in positive reference to its content and quality. However, there is a need to keep in focus the new realities and set a new direction for Bangladesh’s bilateral relations with Japan for mutual benefit. To retain Japan’s focus, Bangladesh would need to highlight the tremendous benefits to the country from Japan’s quality ODA.

Bilateral Agreement/ Treaties:

Over the years, Bangladesh and Japan has signed a number of agreements to strengthen and institutionalize cooperation between them. The important documents signed between the two countries are mentioned below:

Political Consultation

During Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit to Japan in May 2014 decision has been taken to hold regular Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Japan. After that both sides re-committed themselves to hold regular Foreign Office Consultations between two Governments when Japanese Prime Minister visited Bangladesh in September 2014. Following the decision, the first ever FOC took place in Dhaka in February 2015 followed by 2^nd FOC in Tokyo in November 2018. In 2021, 3^rd Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) was held (on 25 February 2021) after a gap of two years, where the gamut of bilateral issues was discussed. Hon’ble State Minister for Youth and Sports led the Bangladesh delegation in the Tokyo Olympic 2020 (22-27 July 2021). On the other hand, 02 (two) dignitaries from Japan attended the ‘Dhaka Peace Conference’ in person on 04-05 December 2021. The Embassy in Tokyo, as one of the 18 select capitals, jointly celebrated Maitri Diwas, the Friendship Day with the Embassy of India on 06 December 2021 with much fanfare. Furthermore, the operation of direct flight between Tokyo and Dhaka reached at final stage following the appointment of GSA in Japan by Biman Bangladesh and is expected to operational in the latter half of 2022.