Bangladesh will propose a jointly financed Human Resource Development Special Zone during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Japan, aiming to expand skilled migration and improve employment opportunities for young Bangladeshis.

The proposed zone would combine language training, professional certification and technical education to prepare workers for Japan’s labour market.

The initiative forms part of a broader plan to strengthen Bangladesh-Japan economic cooperation.

The proposed Human Resource Development Special Zone would be established with joint financing from Japanese public and private institutions, according to an internal report by the Economic Relations Division (ERD).

The zone would house Japanese-language training and professional certification centres, alongside specialised technical programmes in nursing, caregiving, driving, information and communication technology (ICT), mechanics, engineering and manufacturing.

International-standard trainers, modern curricula and recognised qualifications would be introduced to ensure workers acquire the skills required before travelling to Japan.

The proposal supports Bangladesh’s plan to send 100,000 skilled workers and students to Japan annually, responding to the country’s labour demand while expanding overseas employment opportunities for young Bangladeshis.

According to the ERD report, more than 10,000 Bangladeshis travelled to Japan on student and employment visas between February and April 2026.

Around 25,000 Bangladeshis have received opportunities to study in Japan this year, while approximately 9,500 have gone to work in engineering, ICT and technology, 3,500 under technical training programmes and 1,600 as specified skilled workers.

The proposed zone would provide a more structured route for prospective workers to gain language proficiency, technical expertise and recognised qualifications before departure.

Bangladesh also aims to expand its business presence in Japan. The country currently hosts 338 Japanese companies, with the government targeting an increase to 500 by 2030, according to the ERD report.