State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and  Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei held a meeting on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, April 21, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh has urged Japan to boost investment in key sectors, including renewable energy, ICT and infrastructure, as the two sides discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation at a bilateral meeting in Dakar.

The meeting was held between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and  Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, said a foreign ministry’s press release issued here today. 

During the talks, the Bangladesh side called for enhanced Japanese investment in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and manufacturing, alongside renewable energy and information and communication technology.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, technology transfer, skills development and people-to-people exchanges.

The state minister expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis and sought further assistance to facilitate their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.