Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to embark on a diplomatic tour across China, Thailand, and Japan in the coming months, with an aim to deepen cooperation and strengthen Bangladesh’s global partnerships. Officials confirmed that his visits would focus on fostering regional development, economic collaboration, and strategic alliances.

Professor Yunus is scheduled to leave Dhaka on (March 26) for China, following his participation in Bangladesh’s Independence Day celebrations. He will attend the prestigious Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan province from March 25 to 28. With this year’s theme, ‘Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future,’ the conference will bring together global leaders, policy-makers, and business magnates to discuss sustainable economic growth and multilateral cooperation.
A key highlight of Yunus’s China visit will be a high-level bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28. The meeting is expected to cover a range of issues, including economic collaboration, investment opportunities, and strengthening diplomatic relations. Yunus's visit follows an official invitation extended by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen in August last year.

Following his engagements in China, Yunus will head to Thailand for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4, where Bangladesh is set to assume chairmanship of the regional organization. The Summit will provide an opportunity for Bangladesh to reaffirm its commitment to regional cooperation in trade, security, and infrastructure. On April 3, ahead of the Summit, a ministerial meeting will set the groundwork for regional discussions.
Significantly, the Bangkok visit is expected to facilitate Yunus's first-ever in-person meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Summit. Diplomatic sources indicate that the discussions will focus on strengthening Bangladesh-India ties, particularly in areas of trade, connectivity, and security cooperation.
Speaking about Bangladesh-India relations, Yunus emphasized the importance of strong bilateral cooperation. “The fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together, and we cannot be isolated from each other. We must continue working towards a relationship that fosters mutual growth and prosperity,” he stated.
The final leg of Yunus’s diplomatic tour will take him to Japan, where he will attend the Nikkei 30th Future of Asia event in Tokyo on May 29-30. The invitation was extended by Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuina Akiko, underscoring Japan’s interest in deepening its engagement with Bangladesh. Additionally, Yunus has been invited to the Osaka Expo 2025, a global exposition showcasing technological and economic advancements, also set to take place in May.
Officials are working to arrange a bilateral meeting between Yunus and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which is expected to focus on economic collaboration, technology exchange, and investment in Bangladesh’s development projects.
Indo-Pacific Leaders Seek Stronger Ties with Yunus
With Bangladesh playing an increasingly vital role in the Indo-Pacific region, several leaders from Asia-Pacific nations are keen on engaging with Yunus to explore deeper collaboration. Countries like the United States, Australia, and key ASEAN members have shown interest in fostering Bangladesh’s role in regional trade and security frameworks. As a prominent advocate for economic empowerment and global financial inclusion, Yunus is seen as a crucial figure in shaping new alliances for sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific.
Diplomatic analysts believe Yunus’s engagements in China, Thailand, and Japan reflect a broader strategy to position Bangladesh as a key player in the region. With economic corridors expanding across South and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh’s role in ensuring stability, connectivity, and growth is becoming increasingly significant.
As Yunus prepares for his high-profile diplomatic engagements, Bangladesh’s global standing is set to receive a significant boost, reinforcing its position as a crucial partner in regional and international affairs. His tour is expected to pave the way for stronger trade relations, investment flows, and a new era of cooperation between Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region.
 

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