Japan signals support for raising energy assistance to $500m: PM's deputy press secretary

Japan has responded positively to Bangladesh’s request to increase its assistance from $312 million to $500 million to help address the country’s ongoing energy crisis.

The development was confirmed during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a Japanese delegation led by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomaki at the Prime Minister’s Office today.

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PM's Deputy Press Secretary Md Zahidul Islam confirmed the outcome, noting that both sides discussed progress on several JICA-funded development projects, including the Matarbari deep-sea port, MRT lines, and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The prime minister expressed hope that work on the terminal would be completed on schedule, aiming for an opening in December.

The Japanese delegation also announced that Japan would provide five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

The Rohingya crisis was a key topic of discussion. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought Japan’s continued support and a more active international role in ensuring safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

The delegation invited the prime minister to visit Japan, and Tarique Rahman expressed hope to do so at a convenient time.

Bangladesh’s side included Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, advisers Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Humaiun Kobir, and Special Assistant for Foreign Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan.

The Japanese side was represented by Ambassador Saida Shinichi, International Cooperation Bureau Director Hirose Aiko, JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko, and JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Takahashi Junko.