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Wednesday | October 28, 2026 | Dhaka

Dhaka-Tokyo economic deal to boost investment Commerce Minister

 Business Desk
 Published: 12:03 AM, 28 October 2026  Updated: 11:03 PM, 27 October 2026
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir speaks to journalists after inaugurating an internal sports competition organised by the Electronic Media Journalists Association in Sylhet on Tuesday.

The implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan is expected to increase Japanese investment in Bangladesh, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Tuesday.

Describing Japan as one of Bangladesh’s key partners in bilateral cooperation, the minister expressed hope that the prime minister’s visit to Japan would open a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after inaugurating an internal sports competition organised by the Electronic Media Journalists Association in Sylhet.

The minister also outlined several development plans aimed at making Sylhet a more liveable and modern city.

He announced plans for a suspension bridge beside Keane Bridge, saying a feasibility study was underway. The government would take steps to implement the project after receiving the study’s findings.

Development work on the Badaghat Bypass and the Sylhet-Dhaka highway is also progressing, he said, expressing hope that the full picture of these projects would become visible by 2028.

Meanwhile, Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) is working to revive Jalalabad Park, he added.
Fire station construction to finish within 15 months

Earlier, the commerce minister directed officials to complete construction of the new Sylhet Sadar Fire Service and Civil Defence Station within the stipulated 15 months, citing the city’s rapid urbanisation and growing population.

Speaking at the inauguration of the construction work, he said timely completion of the project was essential to ensuring the safety of a large population.

He said the work must be completed on time without compromising quality.

Increasing the infrastructure and operational capacity of the Fire Service and Civil Defence would help the agency respond more quickly to fires and other disasters, reducing losses of life and property, he added.

Recognising the contributions of fire service personnel, the minister said they performed their duties with dedication, hard work and sacrifice to protect the public, although their efforts were not always properly recognised.

He expressed his commitment to turning the Fire Service and Civil Defence into a world-class institution.