Bangladesh is poised to formalise a defence procurement agreement with Japan, marking a significant shift in its military partnerships and reflecting broader strategic realignments in the Indo-Pacific region.
The impending agreement, which follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2023 during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Tokyo, aims to elevate the existing comprehensive partnership between the two nations to a strategic one. (South Asia Journal)
Under this framework, Japan has proposed the sale of advanced military equipment to Bangladesh, including multi-role frigates, aircraft and surveillance systems. This initiative aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to expand its defence exports, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. (BD Military)
The agreement is expected to further strengthen military ties between the two countries, with provisions for technology transfer and joint training exercises. (TBS News)
Bangladesh’s move to diversify its defence partnerships comes amid growing interest from other nations, including the United States, which has been negotiating specialised defence pacts with Dhaka. China and Russia remain the primary suppliers of arms to Bangladesh, but the nation’s expanding financial capacity has attracted offers from countries such as Italy, Türkiye, Sweden, and France. (TBS News)
The deepening defence ties between Bangladesh and Japan are part of a broader strategic partnership that encompasses economic and infrastructural cooperation. Both countries have agreed to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2025 or early 2026 to deepen and expand bilateral trade and investment relations. (TBS News, TBS News)
As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from its Least Developed Country status in 2026, the nation is actively seeking to strengthen its global market position through such partnerships. The collaboration with Japan, a long-standing development partner, is seen as a pivotal step in this direction. (TBS News, TBS News)
The forthcoming defence agreement signifies a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations, reflecting a mutual commitment to regional stability and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.(TBS News)
References
- The Business Standard. (2024). Bangladesh set to sign defence purchase deal with Japan. Retrieved from https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/bangladesh-set-sign-arms-purchase-deal-japan-998596
- Dhaka Tribune. (2025). Dhaka, Tokyo welcome negotiations on transferring defense equipment and technology. Retrieved from https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/309867/dhaka-tokyo-welcome-negotiations-on-transferring
- BDMilitary. (2025). Japan’s Military Export Proposal to Bangladesh: Strategic Assessment and Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.bdmilitary.com/analysis/geopolitics-diplomacy/japans-military-export-proposal-to-bangladesh-strategic-assessment-and-opportunities/485/
- The Business Standard. (2024). Bangladesh, Japan agree to ink EPA to deepen trade ties. Retrieved from https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/bangladesh-japan-agree-ink-epa-deepen-trade-ties-993636
- The Business Standard. (2024). EPA, FTA with Japan to open new avenues for Bangladesh: Commerce adviser. Retrieved from https://www.tbsnews.net/foreign-policy/epa-fta-japan-open-new-avenues-bangladesh-commerce-adviser-991426
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