DHAKA : Japan responded positively to a request of Bangladesh to increase energy-sector assistance from $312 million to $500 million.

Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomaki said this in a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his office in the capital’s Tejgaon here today, said PM’s deputy press secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

In the meeting the two sides reviewed the progress of several Japanese-funded infrastructure projects, including Matarbari Deep Sea Port, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network and third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which are being implemented with financial support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Tarique Rahman expressed confidence that construction of the airport's third terminal would be completed by December next as per schedule for opening.

Bangladesh and Japan also reiterated their commitment to accelerating implementation of the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment.

The Japanese delegation led by Shimada Tomaki also informed the prime minister that Japan would provide five patrol boats to Bangladesh Navy.

The prime minister called for Japan's continued support and a stronger role in the international community to facilitate the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.

The Japanese delegation invited Rahman to visit Japan, and the prime minister said he hoped to undertake the visit at a mutually convenient time.

The Japanese delegation included JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi, Director of the International Cooperation Bureau at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hirose Aiko and JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Takahashi Junko.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr. Md. Shakilur Islam Khan were present.