Japan positive on raising Bangladesh's energy assistance to $500m

Japan has responded positively to Bangladesh's request to increase its energy assistance from $312 million to $500 million, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

The assurance came during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a Japanese delegation led by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomaki at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat on Wednesday.

The meeting was also attended by the president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other senior Japanese officials.

Besides energy cooperation, the two sides reviewed the progress of several JICA-funded development projects in Bangladesh, including the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, MRT lines and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed optimism that the airport's third terminal would be completed on schedule and inaugurated by December.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to expediting the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The Japanese delegation informed the prime minister that Japan would provide five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.

The Rohingya crisis also came up during the discussions. The prime minister sought Japan's continued support and a stronger international role in ensuring the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya refugees.

The Japanese delegation also invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Japan at a mutually convenient time.