Japan to boost Bangladesh aid to $500 million amid energy crisis

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.

Both sides discussed progress on several Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded development projects. These include the Matarbari deep-sea port, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines, and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Prime Minister Rahman expressed hope that work on the new airport terminal would be completed on schedule, aiming for an opening in December.

“

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 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, with Prime Minister Rahman seeking Japan’s continued support and a more active international role in ensuring safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the refugees.

The delegation extended an invitation to the prime minister to visit Japan, which Rahman expressed hope to accept at a convenient time. Key figures from both Bangladesh and Japan attended the meeting, including Bangladesh's Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Japan's Ambassador Saida Shinichi.

“

Japan would provide five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.