[1] Message from Ambassador Horiguchi "Bangladesh and Lebanon"

While I was in Japan in January, I heard the news that the former Minister for Finance and Planning, Shah AMS Kibria fell victim to terrorism. I recognized again the magnitude of the problem with which Bangladesh was confronted, because Mr. Kibria was one of the most prominent and respected leaders of the major opposition party, Bangladesh Awami League.

Several weeks later, in Lebanon, the former Prime Minister, Mr. Rafik Hariri was killed in bomb attacks along with 14 other people. Mr. Hariri was a Prime Minister when I was in Lebanon as an ambassador, and I was indebted very much to him for the arrest and repatriation of the Japanese Red Army members such as Kouzou Okamoto who had been hiding themselves in Beirut.

The assassination of the two politicians I was formerly acquainted with made me think about the difference between Bangladesh and Lebanon. Although the geopolitical condition is vastly different, the two countries have some common features in addition to an abundance of greenery and water.

First, there are a number of businessmen with high entrepreneurial capacities and the private sector is extremely vigorous.

In Lebanon, merchants who had traditionally renowned since the Phoenician era, had accomplished the development as the center of trade, finance, and education of the Middle East before the civil war broke out, and again revived Beirut from the ruins of the civil war under the leadership of Prime Minister Hariri.

Similarly, remarkable development of recent Dhaka is largely due to the private entrepreneurs' efforts in Bangladesh.
Secondly, there are many emigrants or migrant workers overseas.

In Lebanon, most Muslim migrant workers go to Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, or Africa, and after they make some money, they return home, while Christians mostly go to Europe or America and settle there. It is known that the former Prime Minister Hariri also went to Saudi Arabia as a teacher, then switched to construction business, and make enormous fortune.

On the other hand, in Bangladesh, many people who receive higher education go to Europe and America to work and settle down, while the poor and the less-skilled people go to work in Gulf states or East Asia and contribute to the nation's economy by remitting several billion dollars every year to Bangladesh.

Thirdly, both countries are considerably politically divided although they are almost racially identical.

Lebanon has been divided into many sects which Toynbee called "museum of religion", because Lebanon is close to the places of origins of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and each group of people had lived without being interfered by the others in steep mountains.

Since the independence in 1921, they had been at each other's throat. As a result, the civil war started. After fighting of 15 years, Beirut, which had been destroyed, attained peace and was rebuilt under
Prime Minister Hariri.

However, Mr. Hariri was assassinated as the structure of the antagonism between sects did not basically change.

On the other hand, it is said that the political confrontation in Bangladesh does not originate from the difference in religion, but basically from the hostility between leaders of ruling and opposition parties.

The solution to this political hostility in Bangladesh must be easier than in Lebanon in taking its roots from sectarian differences which have a long history.

This political confrontation in Bangladesh is one of the most serious causes hindering national development although there are a lot of hard-working people, excellent entrepreneurs, and intellectuals with high levels of creativity.

I hope that the people in Bangladesh will make greatest efforts to find a way to bury this political enmity and forge their way to a brighter future with a national vision and consensus.

(Ambassador's past messages are posted on the following website.)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/eBulletin/index.html

[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Orientation for Mombukagakusho Scholarship Students (Mar. 15, Dhaka)
The Government of Japan has decided to grant the Mombukagakusho Scholarship to fifteen research students, four undergraduate students, four students of college of technology, and four students of professional training course.

The Embassy of Japan will organize an orientation for them on March 15 at the Embassy. Before leaving Bangladesh, they will learn about Japan such as Japanese culture.

* Grand Ikebana Contest (Mar. 18, Dhaka)

To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Ikebana in Bangladesh, a Grand Ikebana Contest will be held on 18th March from 2 pm to 5 pm at Spectra Convention Centre under the joint auspices of Asia Bunka Kaikan Dosokai (ABKD), Dhaka and the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh.

Ladies of any nationality interested to participate in this contest are requested to come along with their own flowers, flower vase, hasami and kenzan to Spectra Convention Centre to complete their registration between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm on 18th March.

Only thirty seats will be available for the contestants on first-come-first-serve basis.

For more information, please contact the Cultural Section, the Embassy of Japan (ex. 151).

* Japanese Speech Contest (Mar. 19, Dhaka)

Dhaka Japanese Language Institute will organize Japanese Speech Contest on March 19 at BRAC Centre in co-operation with Institute of Modern Languages (IML), University of Dhaka.

About fifteen students from two institutes above and Hiroshima Academy will attend the contest.

For more information, please contact the Cultural Section, the Embassy of Japan (ex.151)

[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Bonsai Exhibition & Competition (Feb. 27-Mar. 1, Dhaka)

The Bangladesh Bonsai Society (BBS) and the Embassy of Japan jointly organized a three-day Bonsai workshop, exhibition, and competition at the National Music and Dance Centre, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on February 27, 28, and March 1.

Mr. Susumu Nakamura, one of the most distinguished Bonsai Masters in Japan conducted the workshop and deliver lecture.

The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held on February 28, 2005. Professor Mahmudul Haque, Director General of Bangladesh National Museum attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

Minister of Embassy of Japan, Mr. Hidetoshi Ukita made the following speech at the ceremony.
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/bonsaiopening280205.html

The concluding ceremony of the exhibition was held on March 1. H.E. Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Minister for Information and Communication Technology of the Government of Bangladesh attended the occasion as
the chief guest.

Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech at the ceremony.
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/bonsaiclosing010305.html

The Bonsai Master Mr. Nakamura was amazed at excellent Bangladeshi Bonsai works, and really appreciated the efforts of BBS.

* Discover Japan Exhibition (Feb. 24, Dhaka)

The Dhaka Japanese Language Institute Alumni Association (DAJLIAA) and Bangladesh-Japan Youth Friendship Association (BJYFA) jointly organized a Japanese cultural exhibition titled "Discover Japan" on
February 24 at the National Public Library in co-operation with the Embassy of Japan.

"Discover Japan" was a composite program featuring a wide range of Japanese culture including Ikebana, Bonsai, Japanese doll, Origami, Japanese books, newspapers, books on Japan written by Bangladeshi writers, Karate and Judo demonstration, and information on higher study was provided during the program.

More than four thousand people including Prof. SMA Faiz, Vice-Chancellor of University of Dhaka, and H.E. Mr. Chai Xi, Chinese Ambassador, came and saw the exhibition. Everybody enjoyed the Japanese unique culture.

Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech at the inaugural ceremony.
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/discoverjapan240205.html

* Seminar on Primary Science and Math under PEDP II (Feb. 24, Dhaka)

An Introductory Seminar on Primary Science and Mathematics under PEDP II took place at the Dhaka Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on February 24.

Mr. A.K.M. Shamsuddin, Secretary of Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, attended as the chief guest. Ambassador Horiguchi, Mr. Brajesh P. Panth, Task Manager, PEDP II, BRM, ADB, and Mr. MD. Mujibor
Rahman, Director of Training Division, DPE attended as special guests.

Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech at the seminar.
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/seminar_pedp2_240205.html