News Flash
TOKYO, May 30, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today sought Japan's all-out support to build a new Bangladesh.
"I came here to thank you and design the next steps," he told the 'Bangladesh Business Seminar in Tokyo' hosted by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and JICA at JETRO headquarters here.
"We are in big trouble. Literally Bangladesh has gone through a 16- year earthquake. Everything fell apart...we are trying to pick up pieces," Prof Yunus said.
Terming Japan a friend of Bangladesh, he said a good friend comes out in hard time and this friend is the Japan.
"Our task is to make impossible possible and you are our partner and our friend. Make that happen," he added.
Noting that it is the historical challenge for all, the chief adviser said they want to show the history it is done with perfection, not somehow.
"Lay the foundation of another Bangladesh, which we call new Bangladesh...so our task is together to create that new Bangladesh," he said.
"With your support, it is very much doable and we already laid the foundation of it," he said.
Expressing his gratitude to Japan for its support in developing Matarbari, Prof Yunus said it laid the foundation of the economy of a country that is lagging behind.
"It is not about making money... it is about changing people, their lives," he said.
The chief adviser said Bangladesh is the door way of many more millions of people as people of Nepal, Bhutan and seven sisters of India can get access to sea through Bangladesh.
"Matarbari is the doorway of the rest of the world....we will keep the door open for them," he added.
TAKEUCHI Shinji, Japan Parliamentary Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, said Bangladesh is a strategic point connecting Asia and it has been playing an important role in developing the region.
Since the establishment of Japan and Bangladesh diplomatic relations, Japan continues support for Bangladesh’s development, he said.
Shinji said the Japanese government is trying to enhance strategic partnership with Bangladesh under the leadership of Prof Yunus.
He also said Japanese government is encouraging its companies to invest in South Asia including Bangladesh.
Japanese companies can help Bangladesh achieve sustainable growth by strengthening cooperation in various fields utilising investment friendly environment.
Stating that Japan's bilateral trade ties with Bangladesh is mainly centered on textile industry, he called for its diversification in wide range of fields.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, Principal Coordinator on SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Bangladesh Ambassador to Tokyo Md Daud Ali were also present at the meeting, among others.
