February 2023

　Mr. NAKATANI Gen, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, visited Bangladesh (Dhaka) from February 19 to 22.

1　Keynote speech at the "Workshop on Business and Human Rights" co-hosted by JETRO and ILO

　On the afternoon of February 19, Special Advisor Nakatani gave a presentation at the "Workshop on Business and Human Rights" co-hosted by JETRO and ILO, explaining the concept of human rights due diligence and the guidelines established by the Japanese government last September for Japanese companies expanding into Bangladesh.

2　Meetings with Bangladesh government officials and UN officials

(1)　On the morning of February 20, Special Advisor Nakatani met with H.E.Mr. Anisul Huq, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Mr Nakatani explained Japan's initiatives on "Business and Human Rights," including the "Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains," which the Japanese government formulated last September, and Minister Huq welcomed Japan's efforts. Both sides confirmed the importance of protecting workers in accordance with international standards, and shared the view to continue close cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh on international human rights issues.

(2)　On the afternoon of February 20, Special Advisor Nakatani met with Mr. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Commerce. They exchanged views on "Business and Human Rights" while introducing the initiatives of both Japan and Bangladesh. They also welcomed the concurrence between the two governments in December last year on the launch of the "Joint Study Group on the possibility of a Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)", and confirmed their commitment to further strengthen Japan-Bangladesh economic relations, including improvement of the investment environment.

(3)　On the afternoon of February 20, Special Advisor Nakatani exchanged views with Ms. Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh and officials from ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP on the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar, within Bangladesh and ways to provide assistance to them. They also confirmed that Japan and international organizations will continue to work closely together in the humanitarian field.

(4)　On the evening of February 20, Special Advisor Nakatani exchanged views with Mr. Tuomo Poutiainen, Director of ILO Bangladesh, and other ILO officials. Mr. Poutiainen gave a detailed explanation on the progress of efforts on "Business and Human Rights" in Bangladesh. Director Poutiainen also expressed his appreciation for the Japanese government's support for the ILO's project to build responsible value chains in Asia. They confirmed that Japan and the ILO will continue to cooperate closely in the area of "Business and Human Rights".

3　Visit to a Garment Factory near Dhaka

　On the morning of February 20, Special Advisor Nakatani visited a garment factory near Dhaka, where he was briefed by management on the factory's efforts to promote human rights, and toured the factory, stopping occasionally to interact with employees.

4　Visit to ODA Projects

(1)　On the morning of February 21, Special Advisor Nakatani visited the construction site of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Terminal 3 in Dhaka, which Japan is cooperating in as a yen loan project.

(2)　On the morning of February 21, Special Advisor Nakatani visited MRT Line 6 in Dhaka, which Japan is cooperating in as a yen loan project. Mr Nakatani also offered flowers at the cenotaph in memory of the Japanese victims of the July 2016 terrorist attack in Dhaka.