Despite a delay in returning from Japan due to a technical glitch on the aircraft, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home with all members of his delegation, his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon has said.

He said, “A minor technical fault was detected on the aircraft before its departure from Japan. The prime minister could have returned home on another aircraft if he had wanted to. But he did not want to leave everyone behind. At that moment, the prime minister went to speak with the other passengers and reassured them. He returned home together with all of them.”

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of his delegation landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 2:48 am on Friday, following a four-day official visit to Japan.

Speaking at a press briefing afterwards, the prime minister’s additional press secretary said a minor technical fault was detected during an inspection of the aircraft before it departed Japan. However, it was not a major problem and was quickly resolved through a software-based solution.

Atikur Rahman Rumon also said that the prime minister’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, arranged food for children travelling on the aircraft.

“She immediately reassured the passengers. She particularly checked on the children to ensure they did not become distressed or cry and could complete the journey comfortably,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Japan from October 26 to 29 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

After completing the four-day visit, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight departed Tokyo’s Narita International Airport for Dhaka at 10:55 pm local time on Thursday.

During the visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a bilateral summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He also met with chairpersons, chief executive officers (CEOs) and senior officials of several Japanese private companies and financial institutions.

The meetings focused on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan and expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh.

During his visit, the prime minister also exchanged views with members of the Bangladeshi community living in Japan.