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Tokyo, May 31, 2025: Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government, stated that remittances from Bangladeshi expatriates have been pivotal in the country's economic recovery. He made these remarks during a community reception held at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo on Friday, May 30.
Dr. Yunus said, “It is a fact that during tough times, the nation’s survival was made possible by the remittances sent by expatriates. The ousted government had depleted the state treasury and banks. Without the support of expatriates, Bangladesh would not have been able to recover.” He urged expatriates to expand their business ventures in Bangladesh and play a more active role in nation-building.
He further emphasized, “As citizens, we all have a responsibility to repair the state. Expatriates have relatives, friends, and businesses in Bangladesh, and many regularly visit the country. We must work together collectively.” He also encouraged expatriates to strengthen ties with the Japanese government.
Highlighting the power of individual initiative, Dr. Yunus noted, “Everything starts with one person. The recent student movement began with just one or two individuals and grew to encompass the entire nation. We must all contribute to realizing the dreams of the students who sacrificed their lives.”
On the third day of Dr. Yunus’s visit to Japan, three significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Bangladesh and Japan. These include a $418 million development policy loan for economic reforms and climate resilience, a $641 million loan for the Joydebpur-Ishwardi dual-gauge double-line railway project, and a $4.2 million scholarship grant for human resource development. The MoUs were signed by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Tokyo, Md. Daud Ali, and Japan’s Ambassador, Shinichi Saida. Dr. Yunus witnessed the signing ceremony and later attended a dinner hosted by the ambassador.
AI/MR
