Momen remembers Shinzo Abe

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday said former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe had played a significant role in developing comprehensive relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

"We have developed a very warm relationship, which helped Japan to come forward in implementing mega projects in Bangladesh," Momen said, recalling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to Japan and a return visit by Abe in Dhaka.

The foreign minister made the remarks after signing the condolence book at the Japanese embassy in Dhaka.

"It's [the killing] unbelievable, especially in a country like Japan, where laws are followed strictly. We are deeply shocked," he said.

Bangladesh on Saturday observed state mourning, showing deep respect to its friend and Japan's longest-serving prime minister, who was shot dead on Friday while delivering a campaign speech.

All the government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions, and Bangladesh missions abroad raised Bangladesh's national flag at half-mast in memory of Abe.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at Abe's death.

People of Japan sincerely appreciated the condolence expressed by the government and people of Bangladesh, said the Japanese embassy in Dhaka.