Japan has reiterated its commitment to advancing major development and security initiatives with Bangladesh’s new government, while underscoring that the safety of Japanese nationals remains its foremost concern.

In a message released on Monday, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi said Tokyo would continue to push forward key joint projects to support Bangladesh’s economic growth and long term development.

Ensuring the security of Japanese citizens living in the country is the embassy’s top priority, he added, particularly as this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Dhaka cafe attack.

Japan remains Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner, the ambassador noted, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, economic development and security.

Among the flagship projects under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt initiative are the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit system, the third terminal at Dhaka’s international airport and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port.

Security ties have also deepened. In February, the two countries signed an agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology. Japan is preparing to supply patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy later this year under its Official Security Assistance framework.

Reflecting on political developments, Ambassador Saida congratulated Bangladesh on what he described as a historic and successful transition following the political upheaval of 2024.

He said bilateral cooperation had continued without interruption during the interim administration and gained renewed momentum after the BNP led government took office in February.

He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two nations date back to 1972 and have evolved into a Strategic Partnership in recent years.

In late April, Japan’s Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Norikazu Suzuki visited Dhaka, met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and conveyed a letter from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirming Japan’s intention to strengthen ties and support the new administration.

Economic engagement remains strong, the envoy said, noting that Japanese companies have maintained their presence in Bangladesh despite last year’s political unrest. The Japan Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement signed in February provides a significant legal framework to expand trade and investment, he added. The embassy will continue working with both public and private stakeholders to improve the investment climate and support Japanese businesses operating in the country.

Beyond economic and security cooperation, cultural and people to people exchanges are also growing. The ambassador welcomed rising interest among Bangladeshis in learning Japanese and said Japan would continue promoting language education and cultural exchange.

Referring to Japan’s Updated Free and Open Indo Pacific vision announced earlier this year, Ambassador Saida described Bangladesh as a strategically important partner located at a key junction between South and Southeast Asia.

Under this framework, he said, Japan intends to deepen practical cooperation on the ground and work closely with Bangladesh to promote shared prosperity across the Indo Pacific region.