Dhaka, May 31 (V7N) – Principal Advisor to the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has returned to Bangladesh following a successful four-day official visit to Japan. The flight carrying Dr. Yunus and his delegation departed Narita International Airport at 11:20 am local time on Saturday (May 31) and is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 10:40 pm (BST).

According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Dr. Yunus participated in nearly 20 high-level events, including meetings with top Japanese government officials, business leaders, and development partners.

Key Highlights of the Visit

During his stay in Tokyo, the Principal Advisor:

  • Attended the 30th Nikkei Forum, a premier global economic conference.

  • Held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

  • Signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Bangladesh and Japan, covering investment, economic cooperation, and technology transfer.

  • Finalized a loan and grant package worth $1.063 billion, including:

    • $418 million in development policy loans for economic reforms and climate resilience.

    • $641 million for upgrading the Joydevpur–Ishwardi railway to a dual-gauge double line.

    • $4.2 million in grant aid for educational scholarships.

In addition to economic cooperation, the two countries also agreed in principle on a defense cooperation agreement, which includes the transfer of defense equipment and technology.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

A joint Japan-Bangladesh statement issued after the bilateral meeting highlighted mutual support for:

  • A peaceful political transition in Bangladesh.

  • Enhanced cooperation under Japan’s Official Security Assistance, including the prompt delivery of five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.

  • Advancing the Maheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative under the Big-B Initiative, a flagship project for regional connectivity and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s firm support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts and expressed optimism about deepening ties between the two countries. In response, Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its longstanding partnership and ongoing contributions to Bangladesh’s development.

Dr. Yunus had left Dhaka late Tuesday night to begin his visit. This marks one of the most significant diplomatic engagements by the interim government in recent months.

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