Bangladesh withdraws UNSC candidacy supporting Japan

Bangladesh has withdrawn its candidature for the non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in support of its 'long-tested' friend Japan, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced.
The announcement came at a joint briefing after the summit talk with her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe Saturday.
In a first visit by any Japanese prime minister in 14 years, Abe arrived in Dhaka around 1pm on a less than 22 hour tour, according to a news agency.
Bangladesh and Japan were the two contenders for the non-permanent seat for 2016-2017. But only one will be elected from Asia Pacific region.
Japan has long been trying to lure Bangladesh for its support for Tokyo's candidature.
Hasina during his Tokyo visit told Japanese media at a briefing that Japanese people would definitely get “good news” during Abe’s tour in Dhaka.
She invited him to visit Bangladesh during their meeting in Tokyo in May.
“I will have to go back and discuss the matter with my cabinet colleagues. But we will definitely value the friendship with Japan,” Hasina had then said.
“We always remember with gratitude the Japanese support… Japan is our tested friend and Bangladesh is ready to make any sacrifice for the tested friend,” she also said.
During that visit, Abe promised $6 billion development assistance for Bangladesh for the next four to five years.
In his first speech Saturday before the summit meeting he also said he would “promote” trade and investment in Bangladesh.
Making the announcement at her office, Hasina said Bangladesh and Japan have “an excellent understanding and long history of cooperation” in the field of international affairs, including at the UN. Abe thanked Hasina for the announcement.
Hasina said Japan has always been supportive of Bangladesh role in particular in the “UN Peace keeping and Peace Building”.

Japan has emerged as the largest development partner of Bangladesh over the years by providing over $12 billion financial support since independence.
Hasina also referred the fresh commitment Abe made during her visit in May and said “we understand the Japanese commitment would not be limited to the amount”.
She said both countries launched “comprehensive partnership” in order to further broaden and deepen the bilateral cooperation in all areas.