BD-Japan defence deal: Decision on implementation after review

Japan has urged Bangladesh’s new government to uphold a defence agreement signed with the previous interim administration, even as Dhaka signalled it would review the deal based on national interest.

The issue was raised on Tuesday during a courtesy call by Japan’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir.

According to officials present, discussions focused on the recently signed defence pact, the dispatch of Bangladeshi workers to Japan, broader bilateral ties, Indo-Pacific issues and ongoing strategic cooperation projects, including the Matarbari development initiative.

On 3 February, Bangladesh’s interim government signed an agreement with Japan on the transfer of defence equipment and technology. The deal was signed on behalf of Bangladesh by Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and by Ambassador Saida Shinichi on behalf of Japan.

The agreement establishes a legal framework between the two governments for the transfer of defence equipment and technology, enabling the joint implementation of projects contributing to international peace and security. It also ensures strict controls over any onward transfer to third parties or use of the equipment and technology beyond agreed purposes.

Following Tuesday’s meeting, Humayun Kabir said the new government would carefully examine the agreement before taking a final decision.

“The interim government signed an agreement. We will review it and decide accordingly. If it aligns with our interests, it may continue. If not, it will be reconsidered,” he said. “We need to see what the interim government has left for us before making any determination.”

Ambassador Saida said he had raised the defence agreement during the meeting and expressed hope that its implementation would proceed smoothly.

He also indicated Japan’s willingness to assist in recruiting skilled workers from Bangladesh. “We discussed skilled manpower,” he said, adding that Japan would extend cooperation in sending Bangladeshi workers.

Officials said the talks further covered the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape, the strategic partnership between the two countries and major infrastructure collaboration, including the Matarbari project.

Among those present at the meeting were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahadi Amin (with the rank of state minister), Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan.

mitmostafiz@yahoo.con