Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoki on Friday at 5:30 p.m. local time. Senior officials from Japan’s foreign ministry attended the meeting. At the outset, Shimada congratulated Dr. Rahman on being elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed as the Leader of the Opposition following Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election.

The discussion covered the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, focusing on expanding trade, investment, infrastructure, human resource development, education, health, and technology cooperation. Both sides emphasized strengthening and diversifying bilateral relations. Dr. Rahman requested Japan’s support in establishing a specialized cancer hospital in Bangladesh.

Japan praised Bangladesh’s economic progress, social development, and role in regional stability, expressing hope to continue supporting the country’s development and democratic journey. Dr. Rahman conveyed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding development assistance and highlighted its contributions to infrastructure, communication, power, and human resource development, expressing optimism for deeper economic and diplomatic ties.