Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said the relations between Bangladesh and Japan have steadily grown from strength to strength with accelerated pace in recent years since Bangabandhu's visit to Japan. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman paid the historic visit to Japan in October 1973.  "As we cross the milestone of 50 years of friendship, I’m confident that together we can build a peaceful and prosperous future for all," Dr Momen said. The Foreign Minister made the remarks while addressing a function on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan that falls on February 10. Read: Bangladesh-Japan partnership poised to soar high: PM Dr Momen said since the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, the two countries have consolidated close cooperation to new heights through trade, investment, development cooperation, education and cultural exchange, and a broad spectrum of people-to-people contacts.  The Embassy of Japan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs cohosted the event at the Foreign Service Academy.

The Embassy of Japan and Bangladesh Olympic Association on Tuesday jointly organized the encouragement rally for the Bangladeshi Olympic team virtually as the host is excited to welcome the Bangladesh Olympic team to Tokyo.         Three Olympians representing Bangladesh - Ruman Shana, Junayna Ahmed and Abdullah Hel Baki attended the rally. Zahid Ahsan Russel, State Minister of Youth and Sports attended it as the chief guest.  Md. Akhter Hossain, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Youth & Sports, Shaikh Bashir Ahmed, Vice President of Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), Syed Shahed Reza, Secretary General, BOA, and other high officials also attended the rally. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki said as the host nation, they are genuinely excited to welcome the Bangladesh Olympic team to Tokyo.  READ: Bangladesh Olympic Association President meets PM "On behalf of the Japanese government and Japanese people residing in Bangladesh, I would like to convey my best wishes and a hearty send-off to the Bangladeshi Olympic team," he said.  The Ambassador said they are committed to ensuring that the Games are held safe and secure.  "Therefore, please rest assured and visit Japan without any worry. Do concentrate on your performance. The safe and secure Games in Tokyo will show the world that we can unite people's hearts and minds globally and get over the difficulties with the efforts and wisdom of humankind," said the Ambassador. Showing gratitude to everyone, Ruman Shana and Junayna Ahmed expressed their goals to achieve their best result this time. Zahid Ahsan Russel said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for organizing this pre-departure reception for Bangladesh contingent on the evening of attending TOKYO 2020 Olympic Games virtually." He said this is a remarkable moment for Bangladesh and her best friend Japan as well.  READ: Tokyo Olympics to be held mostly without spectators due to pandemic "The relationship between Bangladesh and Japan is very much friendly and historical. Japanese government and her people have extended all-hearted sympathy to Bangladesh during the critical days of our great liberation war," he added. 

The Embassy of Japan will host “Japan Fest 2021” online on Wednesday through YouTube channel and Facebook page. This year you will see Japan through the eyes of famous singer and actor Tahsan Khan. “Japan Fest 2021 with Tahsan Khan” will feature Covid-19 awareness song he has composed for the festival, a collaborative song with Japanese popular singer Miyazawa Kazufumi, original scores by Tahsan and also a musical appearance of Ambassador of Japan Ito Naoki. The programme will be streamed on Embassy of Japan YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkf1HU6drZAnnTQNMBxOvaA) at 6pm and also will be broadcast by RTV at 5:30pm on the same day.

Speakers at a JICA seminar opined that the Japanese model of development might be the best pathway for Bangladesh in achieving economic goals and turning itself into a developed country. 

A Japanese documentary named ‘’Tagore Songs’’ has been screened recently at the Embassy of Japan here.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki Ito on Tuesday said the partnership between Bangladesh and Japan has shown a remarkable progress represented by the mega projects.