International Desk:
Bangladesh’s 55th Independence and National Day was celebrated in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, today. In this day-long program organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, humble tributes were paid to the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the war of independence, mothers and sisters who lost their honor and heroic freedom fighters. In addition, the image of Bangladesh’s emerging economic power and progress in the world court was presented.
At the beginning of the day, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md. Daud Ali officially inaugurated the program by hoisting the national flag at the embassy premises. Then, a minute’s silence was observed in the Chancery Auditorium in memory of the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the great liberation war. Messages given by the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the day were read out at the program. In addition, a special documentary produced by the Department of Film and Publications on March 26 was screened.
At the end of the program, a special prayer was held to pray for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs and the prosperity of the country and the nation.
In addition, a separate program was organized at the ‘Ho Hall’ of the traditional Hotel New Otani in Tokyo to celebrate the day. Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano was present as the chief guest.
At the program, Ambassador Md. Daud Ali paid deep tribute to the best sons of the nation and said that Bangladesh has entered a new era under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said that the newly elected government is committed to building a knowledge-based and inclusive society through new initiatives, consistent policies and economic reforms. He mentioned that Bangladesh is currently the 34th largest economy in the world and the second largest in South Asia.
The Ambassador, in his speech, highlighted the multifaceted nature of bilateral relations and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan for creating opportunities to contribute to the Japanese labor market by recruiting skilled manpower from Bangladesh.
Speaking as the chief guest, Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano extended warm greetings on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day. He said that Japan welcomes the completion of the general elections in Bangladesh in a credible and peaceful environment.
He also said that Japan is committed to further strengthening its ‘strategic partnership’ with the newly formed government. This relationship has expanded to a wide range of areas, from defense cooperation to people-to-people exchanges and cultural exchanges. He expressed strong optimism that this friendship will reach new heights in the coming days.
A special written message from Taro Aso, President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League (JBPFL), was read out at the event. In his message, he highly praised Bangladesh’s remarkable economic growth and assured Japan’s unwavering support to maintain peace and prosperity.
The event was attended by Japanese State Ministers and Deputy Ministers, members of the Japanese Parliament, ambassadors from various countries, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen, university representatives, and high-ranking Japanese government officials, as well as Bangladeshi expatriates from all walks of life living in Japan.
