Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Tokyo on Saturday (May 31) morning, wrapping up a four-day official visit to Japan that focused on strengthening economic, trade, and labour cooperation between the two countries.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying Prof Yunus and his delegation left Narita International Airport at 11:20 am local time, en route to Dhaka via Singapore. He is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:40 pm (Dhaka time).

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder confirmed the matter. 

During his tightly scheduled tour, Prof Yunus attended nearly 20 engagements, including a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders pledged to finalise an Economic Partnership Agreement in the coming months to bolster trade and investment ties.

Japan also announced a financial package worth US$1.063 billion for Bangladesh, comprising a $418 million Development Policy Loan for economic reforms and climate resilience, a $641 million loan for the Joydebpur–Ishwardi dual-gauge railway project, and a $4.2 million grant for human development scholarships.

In addition, six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the "Bangladesh Business Seminar" to deepen cooperation in trade and investment.

On Thursday, two MoUs were signed at a human resources seminar to enhance skills and employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Japan, which is facing a labour shortage. Japanese authorities and businesses announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next five years.

Prof Yunus also delivered a keynote address at the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and held a meeting with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, urging ASEAN membership support for Bangladesh.

He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by Soka University for his contributions to social innovation and global development.

SMS/