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Published on May 26, 2014
In the meeting followed by a dinner, Sheikh Hasina appealed to the friends and envoys for nurturing the beautiful relationship between the two countries and peoples.
“Your contribution during our nation’s independence movement can never be repaid. Indeed, you have been our friends in need and have carved out a permanent niche in our hearts,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said she greatly admired role of some esteemed Japanese friends who served sincerely to consolidate relationship between Dhaka and Tokyo.
Among others, Mrs. Nara, widow of Professor Tsuyoshi Nara, a great friend of Bangladesh and one who had promoted Bengali language, philosophy and culture in Japan, were present in the meeting held at Akashaka Palace.
The Prime Minister arrived here this morning on a four-day official visit at the invitation of her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.
Sheikh Hasina said, “Due to their love and goodwill for Bangladesh, many Japanese ambassadors, on their return to home after their assignment, continued to engage them in activities aimed at strengthening friendship and understanding between the two nations.” She requested them to continue their laudable efforts with new ideas and projects.
She paid her glowing tributes to Professor Tsuyoshi Nara, Takashi Hayakawa and General Fujiwara saying they have passed away, but they will remain in our hearts forever and their spirits will always be with the people of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina said, “It’s a matter of great pride and honour for me to be among you. It reminds me of you and your families’ invaluable contribution that gave us strength and inspiration during our heroic struggle for independence in 1971.”
Pointing out her interaction with many former ambassadors of Japan to Bangladesh as the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Sheikh Hasina said, they (ambassadors) have served sincerely to consolidate the relationship between our two countries.
The Prime Minister reiterated her government’s firm commitment to strengthen democratic institutions and democratic process with respect to the rule of law and practice of good governance.
“Our commitment continues to strengthen democratic institutions and democratic process with respect to the rule of law and practice of good governance,” she said.
“To do so, we need Japan by our side to provide support that also includes our infrastructural and human resources development, power generation, etc,” she said.
Laying importance on all out Japanese support to Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said it would help realize its “Vision 2021″, which would be a step forward in creating “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.
One minute silence was observed on the occasion in memory of late Prof Nara and other deceased Japanese friends of Bangladesh.
-Bangladsh Sangbad Sangstha
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