Japan, October 2026 – Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on Japanese companies and institutions to increase investment in the country, identifying automotive manufacturing, energy, technology and space, railways and logistics, and agro-processing as priority sectors. The invitation was made during the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum Dialogue at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters in Tokyo on 28 October 2026.
In the railway sector, the government is proposing a nationwide elevated high-speed rail network connecting Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal. The initiative remains at the planning stage, with the government intending to prepare a national master plan, assess passenger and freight demand, prioritise routes and conduct feasibility studies. Japanese institutions have been invited to contribute investment and technical expertise to the process.
The proposed network forms part of Bangladesh's broader effort to improve domestic connectivity and strengthen logistics infrastructure. Greater rail connectivity between major cities could support passenger mobility and freight movement, while creating opportunities for international partners in railway engineering, construction, technology and related services. The government is seeking cooperation that includes investment as well as knowledge and technology transfer.
Beyond rail, Rahman outlined opportunities in energy infrastructure, including liquefied natural gas facilities, gas-fired power generation and renewable energy. He also proposed a Bangladesh-Japan Technology Park focused on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing, alongside cooperation in satellite engineering and space science.
The investment appeal comes as Bangladesh and Japan seek to expand their economic relationship following the signing of a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement. Rahman said around 350 Japanese companies were already operating in Bangladesh, while Japanese direct investment remained below US$500 million. The agreement provides duty-free access to Japan for 7,379 Bangladeshi products, with preferential access for selected Japanese goods entering Bangladesh. The proposed rail network and wider investment priorities will depend on subsequent planning, feasibility assessments and investment commitments.
Source: The Business Standard
Bangladesh Seeks Japanese Investment In Nationwide High-Speed Rail Network
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Bangladesh is looking to strengthen its transport infrastructure and industrial capacity through deeper economic cooperation with Japan. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has invited Japanese companies to participate in five priority sectors, including high-speed rail and logistics, as the government considers a nationwide elevated railway network connecting six major cities.
