POBNEWS24, Dhaka Aug 23, 2022 : Japan and Bangladesh have committed to further strengthen their ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries, of which Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation. This commitment was reiterated by both countries on the occasion of the screening of “Welcome Bangabandhu (1973)”, a documentary video of Bangabandhu’s historical visit to Japan in October 1973.
At the program jointly organized by the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh on August 23 at the Foreign Service Academy, Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, MP; State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP; Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen, and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh ITO Naoki spoke on the significance of Bangabanhu’s visit to Japan in October 1973.
As the Chief Guest of the program, Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen expressed his condolences for the tragic death of the former Prime Minster of Japan, Mr. ABE Shinzo by referring to him as a true friend of Bangladesh. He then showed his appreciation for Japan’s continuous support for the development and prosperity of Bangladesh. He also expressed his wish to enhance the comprehensive partnership between Japan and Bangladesh into strategic level.
As the Special Guest, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam began his statement by paying his deep respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rhaman & members of his family, who were martyred on 15 August, 1975 and to late Mr. ABE Shinzo, Former Prime Minister of Japan. He mentioned that, as epitomized by the contribution of Mr. HAYAKAWA Takashi a Diet member of Japan, Japan has always stood beside Bangladesh even since before War of Liberation for the development of Bangladesh. He expressed his hope that the relationship of two countries will be further developed, including more investment form Japan, through the possible visit to Japan by Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheik Hasina in this year.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen mentioned that he appreciated the efforts of the Japanese government and the Embassy of Japan to Bangladesh to create the documentary film about the Bangabanhu’s historical visit to Japan. He also highlighted that Japan is true friend of Bangladesh by referring to the significance of Japan’s continuous support on the development of Bangladesh. He lastly expressed his expectation for young generations in both countries to watch this documentary to understand the deep relationships between two countries and enhance it into further level.
Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh ITO Naoki mentioned that the excellent bilateral relations, established by the successful visit of Bangabandhu to Japan in October 1973, would be further strengthened in this important year of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh. He also introduced Bangabandhu’s remarks on his desire for a free and peaceful Indian Ocean and stressed that Japan would work with Bangladesh to realize a vision of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”. He also expressed his wish to realize the Honorable Prime Minister, H.E. Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Japan later in the year, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh.
Following the speeches, a documentary video “Welcome Bangabandhu (1973)” was screened. In this video, Bangabandhu received an enthusiastic welcome from Japanese people everywhere in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Wakayama amidst the wave of lots of the two countries flags, which look very similar. During his stay in Japan, Bangabandhu discussed his nation-building with the Prime Minister of Japan TANAKA Kakuei. Bangabandhu also paid a courtesy call on to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan Hirohito and Her Majesty the Empress of Japan Kojun at the palace.
At the end of the program, Japanese Ambassador ITO Naoki handed over the photo books titled “A visit to Japan in 1973 by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” to Foreign Minister Momen, State Minister Alam, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges Ms. Rowshan Ara Mannan, MP, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ms. Waseqa Ayesha Khan, MP and Foreign Secretary Momen, which contain lots of memorable photos of Bangabandhu’s visit to Japan.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Members of Parliament and representatives from Japanese community in Bangladesh, among others, attended the program.
