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Japan plans trillion-yen investment push in Bangladesh, Nikkei reports

Japan plans to arrange one trillion yen in private investment in Bangladesh over five years, Nikkei Asia reported on 22 October. An announcement is expected during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Japan visit. Manufacturing and energy are among the reported priorities; Reuters said it could not independently verify the plan.

From 23 October 2026 — Daily Brief

23 OCT 2026 · 12/25

Japan is preparing to arrange one trillion yen in private investment in Bangladesh over the next five years, Nikkei Asia reported on 22 October. The reported programme is expected to feature in a joint statement after talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi.

The report identifies automobile manufacturing, other industries and energy infrastructure as potential destinations for the investment. Japanese companies would also invest in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, developed with partners including Sumitomo Corporation.

Rahman is scheduled to visit Japan from 26 to 29 October, with the bilateral meeting planned for 27 October. The investment report comes ahead of that visit. Reuters, which relayed Nikkei's account, said it could not independently verify the information.

Japan and Bangladesh signed an economic partnership agreement in February. Bangladesh's foreign secretary had said the visit would address wider market access for Bangladeshi products, Japanese investment and business ties, alongside possible cooperation agreements in several sectors.

Business & Economy

Mongla rally backs solar expansion and demands Sundarbans safeguards

Speakers at a Mongla rally urged faster solar expansion alongside stronger protection of the Sundarbans. Khulna’s city administrator outlined the planned 442MW Rampal solar project. Environmental campaigners welcomed it while pressing for cancellation of nearby coal and proposed LNG projects, keeping ecological safeguards central to the debate.

Business & Economy

Oil climbs as Middle East supply fears intensify

Oil rose as traders weighed threats to Middle Eastern supplies and shipping. Brent exceeded $114 a barrel during 23 October trading, with further gains later in the session. Analysts pointed to risks from a wider conflict and uncertainty over how quickly disrupted transport routes could recover.

Business & Economy

Gold falls another Tk2,158 per bhori as BAJUS cuts prices again

BAJUS cut the VAT-inclusive price of 22-carat gold by another Tk2,158 per bhori to Tk224,182, effective from 10am on 23 October. The reduction follows the previous day’s cut. Silver also became cheaper, while jewellery-making charges remain dependent on the design.

Business & Economy

Tk592 crore Titas gas-well proposal set for ECNEC review

A Tk592 crore proposal for two Titas gas wells is scheduled for ECNEC consideration on 25 October, officials disclosed on 22 October. The wells could add about 30 million cubic feet of gas daily. Government and company funds would finance the project; approval and future production remain pending.

Business & Economy

Gold price falls as BAJUS cuts rates by Tk1,691

BAJUS cut the price of 22-carat gold jewellery by Tk1,691 per bhori to Tk226,340, including VAT, from 10am on 22 October. The association cited lower local pure-gold prices. Other gold categories and silver also fell. This was the second gold-price cut in nine days; one bhori equals 11.664 grammes.

Business & Economy

Bangladesh and Algeria discuss energy imports and wider industrial cooperation

Bangladesh and Algeria discussed energy imports, fertiliser supplies and textile cooperation in Algiers on 22 October. Officials said a hydrocarbon memorandum signed earlier could support government-to-government fuel trade, infrastructure and training. The talks set out areas for cooperation without announcing a quantified shipment or completed commercial supply contract.