Special Correspondent, Dhaka:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned visits to Japan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia in October and November could provide an opportunity to advance Bangladesh’s investment, labor migration, climate finance, and regional diplomatic priorities.
According to diplomatic sources, preliminary preparations are underway for the three visits. Tarique is expected to visit Japan in the final week of October, attend the COP31 leaders’ summit in Türkiye in November, and travel to Saudi Arabia in the second half of the month. The schedules have yet to be formally confirmed.
The proposed tour reflects Bangladesh’s effort to diversify economic partnerships while strengthening relations with key development partners and labor markets.
Japan: Investment and skilled employment
The proposed three- to four-day visit to Tokyo, at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is expected to focus on investment, infrastructure cooperation, and skilled employment.
During the previous administration’s visit to Japan in May 2025, the two countries signed seven memorandums of understanding covering investment, energy, and technology and set a target of sending 100,000 skilled Bangladeshi workers to Japan over five years.
Tarique’s visit could provide an opportunity to review progress and translate existing commitments into investment and employment outcomes. Japanese participation in infrastructure development and industrial expansion could also support Bangladesh’s economic diversification.
Türkiye: Climate finance and implementation
The planned visit to Türkiye for COP31 carries particular significance for Bangladesh, which remains vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and other climate-related risks.
With the conference scheduled for November 9–20, the leaders’ summit is expected on November 11–12. Bangladesh’s priorities are likely to include climate finance, adaptation funding, and implementation of commitments under the Paris Agreement.
For Dhaka, the challenge is to convert international climate pledges into accessible funding and practical support for vulnerable communities.
Saudi Arabia: Labor, energy, and investment
The proposed Riyadh visit, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, could broaden bilateral cooperation beyond manpower exports.
Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in investment across energy, renewable power, fisheries, food, information technology, and artificial intelligence. With more than 2.8 million Bangladeshis working in the kingdom, labor-market access and workers’ welfare are also likely to remain important.
Energy cooperation, investment agreements, and Saudi support on the Rohingya issue could feature in discussions.
Taken together, the three visits could strengthen Bangladesh’s economic and diplomatic engagement across Asia and the Middle East. Their significance, however, will depend on whether discussions produce concrete agreements, financing commitments, and measurable outcomes.
