Dhaka, Tokyo take ties beyond economy
FROM PAGE 1
largest bilateral donor, providing about $25 billion. Presently, it is implementing some major infrastructure projects like Matarbari port, third terminal of Dhaka airport, Araihazar Special Economic Zone and metro rail.
In the joint statement, the two PMs affirmed that the development of Bangladesh through regional connectivity would contribute to the overall stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
The two countries would continue to develop economic infrastructure, enhance regional connectivity as a new concept of Industrial Value Chain connecting the Bay of Bengal and neighbouring regions was launched.
Shahidul Haque said this is a trilateral concept involving Bangladesh, India and Japan. This can eventually connect Nepal and Bhutan, beyond northeast of India. Thus, the very goal of Bangladesh to connect the region would be achieved.
Prof Ali Ashraf of Dhaka University international relations department said Bangladesh has the “Look East Policy”, which is aimed at connecting South, Southeast and East Asia. Connectivity centring Matarbari can be a leap forward towards this end if Japan’s plan is properly implemented.
He also said addressing Rohingya issue would be a must for the regional actors, especially Japan, India and China, to achieve the goal.
According to Shahidul Haque, “defence and security” is one component of “Strategic Partnership” but it also means cooperation in protecting the strategic interests of both the countries.
During the meet, the two prime ministers decided to set up defence wings in Dhaka and Tokyo, enhance diplomatic and defence dialogues, exchange training and cooperation between the defence forces, transfer defence equipment and technology. They also acknowledged the contribution of both countries in regional security.
Hasina stressed the need for establishment of Official Security Assistance by Japan, a new cooperation framework for the benefit of armed forces and other related like-minded countries for deepening security cooperation.
Prof Ali Ashraf said Japan has recently revised its policy on defence, but it is “more defensive, not offensive”.
As Bangladesh is also bolstering its defence capabilities and it got a large maritime area that needs to be secure, diversifying its defence cooperation is a necessity and Japan is a great partner in this, he said.
Japan has advanced technology and the two countries have trusted relations. So, having defence cooperation with Japan is a positive step, he told this correspondent.
Asked if China, the largest source of defence equipment for Bangladesh, will be uncomfortable, Ashraf Ali said, “Maybe”.
Bangladesh is not going against China by having defence cooperation with Japan. Bangladesh has defence cooperation with about a dozen countries and there was no problem for other countries, he said.
Shahidul Haque said strategic partnership also means the two countries will discuss and have policy coherence when they take positions on global events.
According to the joint statement, the two premiers elaborately spoke about the peace and stability in Ukraine and Indo-Pacific region.
In their views, the securities of Europe and of the Indo-pacific are inseparable and conflict in any region has ramifications in the Indo-pacific.
A day before the PM’s visit to Japan, Bangladesh launched Indo-Pacific Outlook. Its foundation is Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a developed country through trade and commerce.
Dhaka also spoke of a free, open, inclusive and secure Indo-Pacific -- a stance that has much commonality with that of Japan’s policy on the Indo-pacific. PM Hasina shared the same with her counterpart in Tokyo.
Shahidul Haque said Bangladesh can have better relations with Japan’s other allies, including the US and India, by sharing the much similar vision on the Indo-Pacific region, which is a focus of the global powers.
Prof Lailufar Yasmin of DU international relations department said Bangladesh’s economic growth and location that connects South and Southeast Asia is very well recognised by the global powers now.
“We must best utilise it.”