Bangladesh and Japan will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries this year. The two countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1972.

To mark this historic occasion, Bangladesh and Japan have decided to organize various events in Dhaka and Tokyo to further strengthen the bilateral partnerships.

On Wednesday (26 January), Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki called on Foreign Minister Dr A.K. Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Padma to discuss the celebratory events and other issues of common interest. 

Foreign Minister recognized Japan as a long-trusted friend of Bangladesh and a proven development partner. He recalled the unwavering Japanese support for the cause of independence of Bangladesh as well as Japanese development cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.

Both sides recalled the historic official visit of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in October 1973, which laid the rock-solid foundation of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Japanese Ambassador shared that the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka would publish a commemorative photo book on the historic visit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan on the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries. 

The Japanese Ambassador reiterated the Government of Japan’s support for an early repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their ancestral homes in Myanmar and their relocation to Bhasan Char from Cox’s Bazar camps. Foreign Minister urged Japan to use her influence to persuade Myanmar to create a conducive environment in Myanmar and facilitate the safe return of the Rohingyas to the Rakhine State. 

Foreign Minister Momen appreciated Japan’s contributions to the infrastructure development in Bangladesh and suggested more Japanese investments.

The Japanese Ambassador assured that Japanese, as well as international investors, would be setting up their factories in the Araihazar Economic Zone from early next year. He requested the Foreign Minister to ease customs and related issues to facilitate more Japanese investments in Bangladesh. Foreign Minister Momen assured to look into the issues.