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Japan is seeking to establish connectivity between India’s northeastern region, known as the Seven Sisters, and the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh’s Matarbari deep-sea port, aiming to boost industrial development and trade across the region.
The plan was outlined in a report by Indian newspaper *The Hindu*. The report did not mention any comments from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter.
According to the report, Bangladesh and Japan are working to finalise the agenda for bilateral discussions ahead of a possible visit to Japan by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Matarbari port and related infrastructure development projects are expected to feature prominently in the talks.
In an exclusive interview with *The Hindu*, a senior Japanese diplomatic official said the Matarbari port had the potential to transform Bangladesh into a regional industrial hub.
Bangladesh may seek Japanese financial assistance for various projects during the 2026–2031 period, including plans to develop industrial, port and commercial infrastructure around Matarbari. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the area in August to review the requirements of the project, the report said.
Once operational, the Japanese-financed deep-sea port is expected to enhance Bangladesh’s capacity to handle cargo from large vessels. Currently, Bangladesh relies on ports in Singapore, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Malaysia for transshipment involving larger ships.
Under Japan’s plan, Matarbari would serve as the centre of an industrial and connectivity network linking India’s seven northeastern states to the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia through Bangladesh. Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar could also benefit from the initiative.
Japan is looking at the economic corridor centred on Bangkok, which connects Thailand with Cambodia and Vietnam, as a model for the proposed development.
According to a Japanese diplomat, Bangkok has played a significant role in regional economic growth through its port facilities and the Southern Economic Corridor. Japan hopes to develop Matarbari into a similar centre of regional growth.
However, implementing the plan would require effective cooperation between Bangladesh and India.
During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, relatively strong relations between the two countries created opportunities to advance regional connectivity projects. The Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni River was built during that period, establishing a potential transport link between Bangladesh and Tripura in India. However, the bridge has yet to become operational amid political uncertainty in bilateral relations.
Japanese officials believe that improved connectivity between Bangladesh, northeastern India and neighbouring countries would further enhance Matarbari’s economic significance.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was expected to visit Japan for four days at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. However, no formal announcement of the visit has been made yet.
According to The Hindu, the agenda for the proposed visit also includes the Maheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative.
