Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus will embark on a four-day official visit to Japan early Wednesday, aiming to deepen bilateral ties and attend the prestigious 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia in Tokyo.
Acting Foreign Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique unveiled the details of the visit during a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, calling it a “milestone engagement” in strengthening Bangladesh–Japan cooperation.
According to the itinerary, Dr Yunus will depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:10 AM on May 28 via a Cathay Pacific flight, transiting through Hong Kong before landing at Narita International Airport at 2:30 PM (local time). Upon arrival, he will receive state honours from Japan’s Chief of Protocol and other senior officials.
During the visit, seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, focusing on cooperation in investment, energy, and technology. An Exchange of Notes is also anticipated regarding budgetary support and the dual-gauge upgrade of the Joydebpur–Ishwardi railway line, the acting secretary added.
The visit will begin with a courtesy meeting with Taro Aso, President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League, followed by a formal dinner hosted by Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation.
On May 29, ahead of the forum, executives from Nikkei Inc. will meet the Chief Adviser. Professor Yunus will then deliver the keynote speech at the Nikkei Forum’s opening plenary on the theme: “Asia’s Challenge in a Turbulent World.”
The forum will feature heads of state and government, including the Presidents of Laos and Palau, Prime Ministers of Japan and Cambodia, and senior representatives from Vietnam, Singapore, and global institutions. The Chief Adviser is expected to highlight the need for regional cooperation to achieve a sustainable and equitable Asia.
Later the same day, he will address a Human Resource Development Seminar organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, outlining Bangladesh’s capacity to support Japan’s skilled labour demands.
A central highlight will be official bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 30 at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, where Dr Yunus will be honoured with a red-carpet welcome and a ceremonial guard of honour.
Talks will encompass trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, human resource cooperation, and the Rohingya refugee crisis, Siddique confirmed.
Dr Yunus will also give exclusive interviews to leading Japanese outlets including Yomiuri Shimbun, NHK, Asahi Shimbun, and Nippon TV throughout his stay.
The Chief Adviser is set to meet JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko to review ongoing development projects and bilateral assistance. He will also meet JETRO President Kimura Fukunari to explore opportunities in trade and investment.
A Bangladesh Business Seminar and investor roundtable are scheduled, where Dr Yunus will engage with global CEOs, members of Japan’s Social Business Circle, and emerging professionals from both nations.
In a special ceremony, Soka University will confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Dr Yunus in recognition of his global contributions to social innovation and development. He will also deliver a keynote speech to faculty, students, and invited guests.
The visit will conclude with a community reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, followed by a farewell dinner at Bangladesh House, hosted by the Bangladeshi Ambassador to Japan.
Dr Yunus is scheduled to leave Tokyo on May 31 aboard a Singapore Airlines flight via Singapore, with arrival in Dhaka expected later that night.
AloJapan.com