"Let us share the pain, Let us cooperate together"

"Let us share the pain. Let us cooperate together. I look forward to a bright future ahead of us as we overcome the pandemic with patience,” said Japan's Emperor Naruhito about the relationship between Bangladesh and Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, ITO Naoki quoted Emperor Naruhito saying on the occasion of his birthday. The envoy was speaking at a national day reception to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Naruhito at the Japan embassy last night, said an Embassy press release.

The envoy said, Japan will continue to its support to Bangladesh’s development as much as possible for overall stability and prosperity of the Bay of Bengal and the Indo-Pacific region, which are conducive to realize the common vision of Free an Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). 

Expressing firm believe on completion of the ongoing development projects of Bangladesh, he said, those are essential for the growth of Bangladesh fulfilling its potentials, and will change the face of the nation once they are completed.

“Last August, I signed the largest ever annual yen-loan package of approximately USD 3.2 billion for BIG-B’s quality infrastructure projects. From this milestone year until 2025, we will see completion of those JICA’s mega projects. Dhaka MRT Line 6 will be partially open in December. After that, Special Economic Zone inAraihazar, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport extention, Matarbari Deep Sea Port and Power Stations, and Bangabandhu Railway Bridge will start operating one after another," quoted the envoy. 

Though the pandemic affected daily lives of all, the year 2020 saw further strengthening of relations between Japan and Bangladesh, he said adding: "Japan supported Bangladesh in its fight against the pandemic and provided for the first time, the budget support of approximately USD 330 million in August last year.”

Bangladesh and Japan last year saw a stronger relationship as the two peace-loving nations worked together for national and regional prosperity and stability despite the pandemic affecting economies and health systems,.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni said the role of Japan as a key development partner has been instrumental for Bangladesh and will be further developed.

“Now Bangladesh and Japan are working towards strategic partnership to reach even higher level of bilateral relationship,” she said.

Since 1972, Bangladesh received largest Official Development Assistance from Japan. Japanese contribution has been vital in the areas of infrastructure and human resource development, agriculture, education, water resource management and disaster management, Dipu Moni said. 

“As trusted partners and peace-loving nations, we have always worked together and supported each other to promote global peace and prosperity.

“The cooperation from Japan is ever more crucial [for Bangladesh] to graduate to LDC status,” she added.

Nasrul Hamid, state minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Salman Rahman, advisor to the prime minister; and Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat also graced the occasion.