Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday (May 30) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo. Upon his arrival in the morning, Dr. Yunus was given a formal guard of honor.

According to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing, Japan and Bangladesh signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs), including one under which Tokyo will provide Dhaka with $1.063 billion in budgetary support for railway development and grants.

Of the total sum, $418 million will be provided as development policy loans aimed at economic reform and climate resilience in Bangladesh. Additionally, Japan has committed $641 million to upgrade the Joydebpur-Ishwardi rail line into a dual-gauge double track and will also offer a $4.2 million grant for scholarships.

Later in the day, Dr. Yunus is scheduled to meet with representatives from JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) to discuss Japanese investment opportunities in Bangladesh. At 6:30 PM local time, he will receive an honorary doctorate from Shoka University. He is also expected to attend a meeting with the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Japan, organized by the Bangladesh Embassy.