At talks between Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae (高市早苗) and Prime Minister Rahman (ラーマン), it was reported that investment by Japanese companies in Bangladesh was expected to reach ¥1 trillion over the next 5 years. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry denied the facts in response to the spread of false rumors.
At the Japan-Bangladesh summit meeting held on 27 October, it was reported that investment by Japanese companies in Bangladesh was expected to reach ¥1 trillion over the next 5 years.
Immediately afterward, false information spread on social media claiming that “the Japanese government will accept 100,000 workers from Bangladesh,” prompting a Foreign Ministry spokesperson to deny that any such matter had been discussed at the summit meeting.
There had previously been a similar wave of false rumors concerning JICA's “hometown” designation last year. In one case, a flood of inquiries and complaints forced the program to be withdrawn. The rumors stemmed from concerns about an increase in foreign nationals and inconsistencies in foreign nationals policy.
The Takaichi administration compiled a new policy on foreign nationals in January last year, setting out measures including stricter residence screening, requirements for Japanese-language proficiency and tighter naturalization requirements. According to reports, 70% of respondents supported the policy in an NHK opinion poll.