We never forget our friends
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday paid homage to the Japanese who raised voice during the Liberation War of Bangladesh and hoped the new generation would carry forward the "lasting friendship and enviable partnership" between the two countries in the years to come.
The premier was addressing a ceremony to confer "Friends of Liberation War Honour" to four Japanese nationals at Akasaka Palace Guest House, Tokyo.
"I thank all of you for joining us on this humble occasion where we not only honour our friends but also celebrate the bonds of amity with Japan," she said.
The premier said the Japanese people stood beside Bangladesh, adding that Bangladesh had a modest list of eight honourees whom the country has honoured with "Friends of Liberation War Honour" on March 27, 2012 and October 1, 2013.
"This evening we are in Tokyo to honour four more great friends of Bangladesh who stood by us, organised the moral and material support and ensured assistance. They rose to protest atrocities and sent humanitarian reliefs, medical facilities to our helpless people," she said.
"They (Japanese) faced great challenges, but did not fall back. Their act of selflessness rekindled our spirit in the face of threats. Most unforgettable was the charitable gesture of Japanese school children who saved and donated their Tiffin money to help our people," she recalled.
"Your voice added strength to our voice and was magnified to the global community. You rallied with our cause and together raised a human citadel against a ruthless force. In the land of the rising sun, we see the image of a nation with dignity and humanity," she said.
"We never forget our friends," she added.
Hasina said for her it was an honor to carry on her father's legacy and visit Japan in 1997, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019 to further strengthen the relations.
The premier said Bangladesh and Japan share the same noble ideas and principles of equality, democracy and democratic practice, inclusive development, social justice and rule of law.
Prime Minister's younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present on dais while Lt Col (Retd) Quazi Sazzad Ali moderated the event.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Kalam recited the citation in honour of the four Japanese. They are President Emeritus of Japan Red Cross Society Tadateru Konoe, Prof Gyalpo Pema, political leader Hideo Takano (posthumous) and photo journalist Taizo Ichinose (posthumous).
Prof Gyalpo expressed his feelings in the event on behalf of the recipients.
JAPAN TO BUILD CHILDREN'S LIBRARY IN BANGLADESH
Tadao Ando Architect and Associates, established by world renowned architect Tadao Ando, will build a children's library in Dhaka.
This was disclosed when a delegation led by Tadao called on Hasina at Akasaka Palace.
PM's Speechwriter M Nazrul Islam briefed the journalists after the meeting.
Prior to the call on, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Bangladesh National Museum (BNM) and the Tadao Ando Architect Associates was signed by BNM Director General Md Kamruzzaman and Tadao Ando in the presence of the prime minister.
The MoU was signed to build a children's library in Bangladesh on Japanese donation.
PM VISITS SCIENCE, INNOVATION MUSEUM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, known as "Miraikan", at Amoi, Koto-ku in Tokyo, reports UNB.
On her arrival at 'Miraikan', Hasina was warmly received by the authorities concerned. She was apprised of how humankind can survive in a sustainable way in environment friendly atmosphere, said Nazrul Islam.
Comments