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Dhaka, May 1, 2025: Japan has expressed interest in selling military arms to Bangladesh, signaling a push to deepen bilateral ties. According to sources in the Foreign Ministry, the issue is expected to be a key topic during Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s visit to Japan later this month. Additionally, the upcoming sixth Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting in Tokyo on May 15 will address this proposal alongside other mutual interests.
A senior Foreign Ministry official told that the FOC meeting will prioritize enhancing bilateral relations. The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin, will engage with Japan’s Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Akahari Takishi. The agenda includes discussions on Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus’s planned visit to Japan from May 29-31, during which he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo and spend a day in Osaka.
Dhaka’s Priorities at FOC: Bangladesh will focus on strengthening economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and people-centric relations. Key regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific strategy, Myanmar, the Rohingya crisis, and regional security, will also be discussed. Dhaka aims to further solidify bilateral ties with Tokyo.
Tokyo’s Agenda: Japan, keen on expanding its arms market in Asia, will emphasize arms sales during the FOC meeting. Additionally, Japan is expected to raise concerns about Bangladesh’s growing ties with China, given Tokyo’s longstanding territorial disputes with Beijing. Sources indicate that the China issue will be discussed before the lunch session at the FOC meeting.
China Concerns: Since last year’s political transition and the interim government’s rise, Bangladesh has visibly strengthened ties with China. High-level visits by Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus to Beijing this year have expanded cooperation. Japan, wary of this development, plans to clarify its stance during the FOC meeting.
On whether Bangladesh will procure arms from Japan, sources noted that while both sides will prioritize their agendas, detailed discussions and decisions will likely require higher-level engagements and time.
On Wednesday, an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Foreign Secretary was held in Dhaka to prepare for the FOC. Officials from the Japanese Embassy and relevant wings of the Foreign Ministry attended, discussing Japan’s proposals and Bangladesh’s priorities in detail.
The FOC meeting and the Chief Adviser’s visit are poised to be pivotal in shaping Bangladesh-Japan relations amid evolving regional dynamics.
AI/MR
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