Bangladesh is discussing possible visits by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Japan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia over the next two months, following his trip to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Officials say Dhaka is considering invitations from Japan and Saudi Arabia for separate bilateral visits, while the prime minister has also been invited to attend COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Diplomatic sources stress that the plans are preliminary and that nothing has been finalised. Senior officials are said to be in contact with their counterparts in Tokyo, Riyadh and Ankara as preparations begin.
Japan Visit Likely in Late October
Japan has invited Rahman to make an official visit at a mutually convenient time, and preliminary discussions point to the last week of October. Sources in Dhaka and Tokyo say the invitation came from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and that officials are discussing a visit lasting three to four days.
COP31 in Antalya Draws Türkiye Into the Schedule
The Türkiye leg would coincide with COP31, the United Nations climate conference running from November 9 to 20 in Antalya. The summit of world leaders is scheduled for November 11 and 12. The trip was discussed when State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on September 25, including Rahman’s possible participation.
For a country highly exposed to climate risks, the conference matters. Issues such as climate financing, delivery of earlier commitments and support for loss and damage are expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Discover More Stories Worth Your Time
Explore Can River Diplomacy Survive?
Uncover Why Cyber Scams Growing?
Discover Tarique’s Key UNGA Priorities?
See Why Kushtia’s Raft Race?
Explore Hilsa’s Delhi Cultural Spotlight?
Learn how Bangladeshi hilsa and cultural heritage took centre stage at a festival in Delhi.
Saudi Arabia Trip Tied to Crown Prince’s Invitation
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has invited Rahman to visit the kingdom for talks on bilateral relations and regional and international issues. The Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh handed over the invitation letter at the Prime Minister’s Office last month. Local media reports suggest the visit could take place in the second half of November, subject to agreement on dates.
Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Bangladeshi workers, and Riyadh has recently signalled interest in widening ties beyond manpower exports. Areas mentioned by Saudi officials include fisheries, food, energy, renewable energy, information technology and artificial intelligence.
A Possible India Visit Remains Unsettled
Alongside these plans, sections of Indian media have reported that Rahman may travel to India in November or early December. Dhaka has reportedly said it is looking for a suitable environment for a bilateral visit, while the Indian High Commissioner has voiced optimism that such a trip could happen soon. No dates have been confirmed.
Rahman has already made overseas trips to Malaysia and China since taking office, and the proposed schedule would extend his diplomatic outreach into Northeast Asia and the Gulf. With dates still being worked out, the foreign ministry is expected to finalise the itinerary in the coming weeks.
