Takaichi Meets Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareq Rahman
Overview
On October 27, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareq Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office and held a joint press announcement. The two leaders confirmed they would advance “BIG-B for Sharing Prosperity” as a new strategic cooperation initiative. Private investment by Japanese companies totaling about 1 trillion yen is expected over the next five years, and they also decided to provide patrol vessels through ODA to strengthen maritime security capabilities.
Key points
- The two leaders confirmed they would advance “BIG-B for Sharing Prosperity” as a new strategic cooperation initiative.
- About 1 trillion yen in private investment by Japanese companies is expected over the next five years.
- A new decision was made to provide patrol vessels through ODA to strengthen maritime security capabilities.
Overview
On October 27, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi held a summit meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareq Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office. Following an honor guard and a ceremonial welcome by the Self-Defense Forces, they held the meeting and a joint press announcement, followed by a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Takaichi said that, amid growing international instability, it is important for the two countries to strengthen their autonomy and resilience, contribute to regional peace and stability, and share prosperity. She also said Japan would support nation-building under the Rahman administration, which took office following democratic general elections, and explained that they discussed cooperation between the two countries, which share the values of democracy and the rule of law.
Impact
Prime Minister Takaichi said the two countries aim to contribute to regional peace and stability and share prosperity by strengthening their autonomy and resilience.
Details
The two countries confirmed they would develop the “Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt” concept (BIG-B), a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, and advance it as a new strategic cooperation initiative, “BIG-B for Sharing Prosperity.” Cooperation will proceed on four pillars: strengthening connectivity; preparing for disasters and geopolitical risks; creating economic growth opportunities and establishing rules through public-private cooperation; and cooperation for peace and stability.
Japan is working to strengthen supply chains and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region and promote trade and investment. The two countries intend to improve the investment environment, including through the early entry into force of an EPA, and further promote economic ties by sending a business mission in the near future.
In the security field, the two countries decided to provide patrol vessels through ODA to strengthen maritime security capabilities. They also intend to continue OSA and defense cooperation.
Prime Minister Takaichi said that, under the forward-looking Japan-Bangladesh “Strategic Partnership,” she would work with Prime Minister Rahman to usher in “A New Era in Japan-Bangladesh Relations for a Shared Prosperous Future.”