Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Tokyo

Bangladesh-Japan bilateral relations stem from Japan’s unwavering support for the cause of Bangladesh’s independence. Japan was the first OECD country to recognize independent Bangladesh, on 10 February 1972. Subsequently, the two countries established diplomatic relations. Politicians such as Takashi Hayakawa, intellectuals led by Professor Tsuyoshi Nara, like-minded journalists, and the general public played a pivotal role in mobilizing public opinion in support of Bangladesh, extending both humanitarian aid and moral backing. The people of Bangladesh hold deep and enduring gratitude for all Japanese who stood by them during those trying times. Since then, a bond of mutual goodwill, respect, and friendship has flourished between the two peoples.

Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, Bangladesh opened its Embassy in Tokyo on 3 March 1972, while Japan inaugurated its Embassy in Dhaka on 1 July 1972. The visit of the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh to Japan (18-24 October 1973) laid the political foundation for advancing bilateral relations. Since then, the partnership between the two countries has steadily deepened and has remained strong. Despite the setback caused by the Holey Artisan attack in 2016, Japan’s friendship and commitment toward Bangladesh have remained unwavering. Japan’s consistently increasing Official Development Assistance (ODA) underscores this enduring commitment and friendship.

A new dimension in bilateral cooperation emerged following the exchange of summit-level visits in 2014, when the relationship was elevated to the level of a “Comprehensive Partnership”, encompassing broad-based political, economic, and social cooperation. Under this framework, the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) has received renewed strategic impetus. Japan has significantly increased its financial and technical assistance for major infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including the Metro Rail, the Jamuna Railway Bridge, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Terminal-3, Matarbari Deep Seaport, and various power projects. During the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan from 25 to 28 April 2023, the bilateral relationship was elevated from a “Comprehensive Partnership” to a “Strategic Partnership”, a landmark development in the countries’ diplomatic history.

There exists an excellent rapport at the highest political levels between the two nations. Heads of State/Government from Bangladesh visited Japan in 1973, 1978, 1980, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1997, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2023. In turn, Japanese Prime Ministers visited Bangladesh in 1990, 2000, and 2014. The Hon’ble President of Bangladesh also attended the enthronement ceremony of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan in October 2019, at the invitation of the Government of Japan. These high-level visits have injected fresh momentum into multifaceted bilateral cooperation, opening new avenues in trade, investment, and development assistance.

This close political bond is further strengthened by the personal goodwill and attachment at the highest political levels. When former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe — a good friend of Bangladesh - was tragically assassinated in July 2022, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh expressed deep condolences. The Bangladesh Parliament and the Cabinet passed separate motions of condolence, and a one-day state mourning was observed in Bangladesh on 9 July 2022. Later, the Foreign Minister attended Mr. Abe’s State Funeral in September 2022.

Bangladesh is deeply appreciative of Japan’s timely assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan provided budget support loans amounting to 75 billion yen (equivalent to USD 681 million) in two phases and contributed over 4.5 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines under the COVAX initiative in 2021. Bangladesh is also encouraged by Japan’s growing confidence, demonstrated by the decision to lower the travel advisory from Level 1 to Level 2 for all of Bangladesh (except the Chittagong Hill Tracts). The advisory for the Dhaka Division was lifted on 10 November 2021, reversing a measure in place since the 2016 attack. In a positive development, following Japan’s assessment of improved security in Bangladesh, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) resumed their operations in September 2023 after a seven-year hiatus.

The year 2022 marked a milestone in Bangladesh–Japan relations, as the two countries celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their friendship. Goodwill messages between the Prime Ministers of two countries were exchanged. A commemorative stamp, designed by Japan Post, was released, and a special exhibition displayed historical documents and photographs highlighting key moments from the past 50 years of friendship.

Following the July Revolution of 2024 in Bangladesh, Japan reaffirmed its role as an unconditional friend by continuing its close ties and support for the country. During a two-day visit in February 2025, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Ikuina Akiko, met with key members of the Interim Government, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain, to express Japan’s commitment to Bangladesh’s reform initiatives and the upcoming elections.

The 6^th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh-Japan was held on Thursday, 15 May 2025 in Tokyo. The meeting discussed political, economic and sectoral cooperation issues along with trade and investment, people-to-people connectivity and cultural exchanges, Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (Rohingyas), security cooperation, and regional and global issues. Both sides agreed to deepen political trust, prioritize development strategies and fully realize ‘Strategic Partnership’.

The visit of Hon’ble Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Japan on 28-31 May 2025 set another milestone that added further strength in the course of Bangladesh’s friendly and multifaceted relations with Japan. Besides the summit-level meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, the visit witnessed signing of 6 important instruments — on energy sector projects, a gas meter installation project, land lease for manufacturing apparel accessories, setting up a factory for battery-run cycles and an electric motorcycle manufacturing plant, a $20 million investment for a national pilot project for information security, and development of the Integrated Single Window Platform (ISWP) for ensuring one-stop services by BIDA. Japan also assured to provide $1.063 billion to Bangladesh as support for budget, railway upgradation, and grants through exchange of notes. The visit’s main part also comprised — the 30th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia, Bangladesh Business Seminar, Roundtable Discussion with the Japanese companies, and a meeting with the JICA President, among others.

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