admin
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus left Dhaka early Wednesday on a four-day official visit to Japan, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and participate in the 30th Nikkei Forum.
Prof Yunus and his delegation departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at approximately 2:10 am on a Cathay Pacific flight, according to the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
Upon arrival at Narita International Airport at 2:30 pm local time, he will be received with state honours by Japan’s Chief of Protocol, senior government officials, and Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan.
Details of the visit were shared by Acting Foreign Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique at a press briefing earlier this week. During the tour, seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, focusing on cooperation in the fields of investment, energy, and technology. Additionally, an Exchange of Notes is anticipated on budgetary support and the upgradation of the Joydebpur-Ishwardi railway line to a dual-gauge double-track.
The visit will begin with a courtesy meeting with Taro Aso, President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League, followed by a dinner hosted by Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. Prof Yunus will also engage in discussions with key Japanese dignitaries.
On May 29, he will meet senior executives of Nikkei Inc. before delivering the keynote speech at the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia. His address, titled “Asia’s Challenge in a Turbulent World,” will underscore the need for collaborative efforts across Asia for a more sustainable and equitable future.
The Forum will see participation from high-level international figures, including the Presidents of Laos and Palau, the Prime Ministers of Japan and Cambodia, and the Deputy Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Singapore, along with global experts and officials.
Later that day, the Chief Adviser will address a Human Resource Development Seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, where he will highlight Bangladesh’s potential to meet Japan’s skilled workforce demands. He will also hold meetings with JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko to review development cooperation and ongoing projects, and give interviews to top Japanese media outlets including Nikkei, NHK, Asahi Shimbun, and Nippon TV.
Prof Yunus will attend a dinner hosted by Nikkei Forum for featured speakers later in the evening.
On May 30, a major highlight of the visit will be his official bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The meeting, to be held at the Prime Minister’s Office, will begin with a red-carpet welcome and a guard of honour. Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, human resource development, and the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Following this, Prof Yunus will give an exclusive interview to Japan’s largest daily, Yomiuri Shimbun, and meet with JETRO President Kimura Fukunari to discuss enhancing bilateral trade and investment, reports BSS.
Later, he will participate in a roundtable with Japanese investors and attend the “Bangladesh Business Seminar” alongside CEOs, social entrepreneurs, and young professionals.
In recognition of his contributions to social innovation and global development, Soka University will confer upon him an Honorary Doctorate. He is scheduled to address a distinguished audience at the university during the ceremony.
The day will conclude with a community reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy, followed by a dinner in his honour at Bangladesh House.
Prof Yunus will wrap up his tour and depart Tokyo on the morning of May 31 via Singapore Airlines, with his return to Dhaka expected later that night.
