Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh : Email Bulletin Archive

Japan-Bangladesh E-Bulletin (44th issue / Feb 16, 2006)
- Making a Bridge between Japan and Bangladesh - ====================================================================================================
This E-Bulletin is to share updates and information about Japan-Bangladesh relations with as many people as possible.
If your friends are interested in subscription, please email us at mail@embjp.accesstel.net ====================================================================================================

[Table of Contents]
[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi "Campaign to enhance national pride and self-confidence of Bangladeshi people"

[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Japan Festival (Feb 7-18, Dhaka)
- Japanese Contemporary Clay Work Exhibition
- Photo Exhibition on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
- Japanese Film Festival (Feb 17-18)
* Exhibition of Artist Kazi Ghiyasuddin (Feb 10-24, Dhaka)
* Bengali Speech Contest & Music Contest (Feb 18, Dhaka)
* International Mother Language Day Events (Feb 19&21, Tokyo)
* Seminar on Trade & Investment (Feb 27, Dhaka)
* Fair Trade Caravan (Mar 3-5, Tokyo)

[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Japan Festival
- Discover Japan Exhibition (Feb 13-14, Dhaka)
- Opening Ceremony (Feb 7, Dhaka)
* Japan-UNICEF Joint Learning Mission (Feb 5-7, Bangladesh)

[4] JBCCI Member Report
"Business in Bangladesh, a story of struggle"
Mr. Kazuhiko Ito, Managing Director, ITO CORPORATION LTD.

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[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi
"Campaign to enhance national pride and self-confidence of Bangladeshi
people" I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you some world-class achievements and important actors that Bangladesh has realized and produced through 35 years since its independence, which were presented in the Daily Star's special edition on February 4 in commemoration of its 15th year of publication.

First is Bangladeshi Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), which lead other NGOs in the world. The contributions made by BRAC, the world's biggest NGO, and micro-credit concept developed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank are among the biggest achievements.

Second is the Bangladeshi personnel who have won honor for Bangladesh in the international society through their peace-keeping operations (PKO) under the umbrella of the United Nations. The number of Bangladeshi PKO personnel currently amounts to 9758, bigger than any other country, and their high standard of discipline and capabilities have gained full credibility of local peoples in African countries and elsewhere where they have been dispatched.

Third is the ICDDR,B (Centre for Health and Population Research) which invented the world renowned oral rehydration saline (ORS), silver bullet to eliminate diarrhea including cholera.

Fourth is women working in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which accounts for three quarters of the total Bangladesh exports. Fifth is the Bangladeshi expatriates sending remittances worth US$4 billion, which amounts to the half of the total exports.

Then come the architects. Mr. Fazlur Rahman Khan, who designed tallest skyscrapers in Chicago expressing Bengali richness and American vigor, and Mr. Muzharul Islam, who started from zero to achieve the development of the current Bangladeshi architecture are a couple of illustrious examples.

Seventh is the entrepreneurs of the private sector, who support remarkable growth of the Bangladeshi economy.

Eighth is the folklore musicians, painters, and dancers who transmit and develop Bengali spirit and cultural richness.

This special edition of the Daily Star is an important endeavor to recognize and speak out to the world about the victories and achievements that Bangladesh has realized since its independence and should be proud of as a nation. Bangladeshi people are losing their self-confidence, because they have been suffering from predicaments such as famine, floods and corruption. This endeavor is very significant for following reasons:

First, national pride and self-confidence will motivate further development. More achievements in the fields that are mentioned in the special edition and new feats in other fields can be also facilitated.

Second, further development will enhance national confidence and can trigger a movement towards national unity for a better country.

Third, such a movement can bring about a national determination to take action in order to overcome confrontational politics and eradicate corruption. Though they have been blamed for hindering Bangladeshi development, few concrete actions has been taken so far.

Fourth, the portrayal of their national pride and self-confidence to the outer world will make people in other countries reevaluate Bangladesh and improve their perception which has generally been unfairly negative.

Thus, the campaign to cultivate national pride and self-confidence of Bangladeshi people will bring further development of Bangladesh. I hope that the Bangladeshi government and its people in unity make utmost efforts to continue the campaign launched by the Daily Star. For example, if each newspaper carries a similar special supplement once or twice a year, remarkable results should be achieved several years later.

Campaign for the next year's general election has started already. I believe that a party is highly likely to win if that party could send a positive message to the people like: "Let's restore national pride and self-confidence as Bangladeshis. Let's make Bangladesh a country deserving such pride and self-confidence. We thus propose
such-and-such policies and procedures to realize this." I believe that such a constructive competition should greatly contribute to a free and fair election.

I hope that Bangladeshi people become affluent within ten to twenty years and remember this campaign as an important turning point towards the development of the country.

(Past messages from Ambassador Horiguchi)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/eBulletin/index.html
(These messages were compiled in a single booklet.)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/eBulletin/pdf/makingabridge2.pdf

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[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Japan Festival (Feb 7-18, Dhaka)
The Embassy of Japan and the Bangladesh National Museum are having the Japan Festival, a composite cultural programme, till February 18 at the Bangladesh National Museum premises.

Remaining programs and schedules are as follows:
- Japanese Contemporary Clay Work Exhibition
February 7-18 except Thursdays
Saturday to Wednesday: 10:30-16:30
Friday: 15:30-19:30

Japanese ceramic art is popular and appreciated all over the world. This exhibition focuses on production of huge ceramic works and installations by introducing you 44 clay works by eminent artists from the 1950s to the 1990s.

- Photo Exhibition on Japan-Bangladesh Relations February 7-18 except Thursdays
Saturday to Wednesday: 10:30-16:30
Friday: 15:30-19:30

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 11, 1972, Japan has been enhancing the relationship with Bangladesh as one of the most pro-Japanese countries. This photo exhibition looks back over
the history of Japan-Bangladesh relations and hope further enrichment of our relationship.

- Japanese Film Festival
The Embassy of Japan will organize the "Japanese Film Festival --the World of Yasujiro Ozu--" at Shaheed Zia Auditorium, Bangladesh National Museum on February 17 and 18.

Feb 17 15:30 Floating Weeds (Ukikusa) 119 min.
18:00 The End of Summer (Kohayagawa-ke no aki) 103 min.
Feb 18 11:00 Late Spring (Banshun) 108 min.
13:30 Hen in the Wind (Kaze no naka no mendori) 84 min.

Mr. Yasujiro Ozu is one of the highly acclaimed film directors not only in Japan but also in the US and Europe.
For more information, please contact the Cultural Division at the
Embassy of Japan.
Tel: 881-0087
Fax: 882-6737
e-mail: information@embjp.accesstel.net

* Exhibition of Artist Kazi Ghiyasuddin (Feb 10-24, Dhaka)
The exhibition of Artist Kazi Ghiyasuddin is being held at Gallery Chitrak from 10:00 to 20:00 daily till Friday, February 24. Mr. Ghiyasuddin is one of the acclaimed artists and studied in Japan. Ambassador Horiguchi and Principal at Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Jamil Majid, were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_kazighiyasuddin100206.html
Fore more information, please contact the Gallery Chitrak.
Tel: 862-0345
e-mail: chitrak@dhaka.net
* Bengali Speech Contest & Music Contest (Feb 18, Dhaka)

The Japanese Universities alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB) will organize Bangla Speech and Bangla Solo Music Competition by foreign nationals followed by a cultural function in commemoration of the "International Mother Language Day 2006" at the TSC Auditorium, University of Dhaka, from 17:00 to 21:30 on Saturday, February 18.

Vice-Chancellor at University of Dhaka, Prof. S.M.A. Faiz, Pro-Vice
Chancellor at University of Dhaka, Prof. Dr. A.F.M. Yusuf Haider,
Ambassador Horiguchi, Ambassador of China, H.E. Mr. Chai Xi,
Ambassador of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Ferit Ergin, and other distinguished
guests will be present.

* International Mother Language Day Events (Feb 19&21, Tokyo)
There will be a cultural program organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan, Uttoron Shilpi Goshthi and Shorolipi Cultural Academy at Meguro Persimmon Hall (1-1-1 Yagumo, Meguro-ku)from 18:30 to 21:15 on Sunday, February 19.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan and the Toshima City Office will jointly organize a flower offering ceremony at the Ikebukuro West Park at 7:00 on Tuesday, February 21, where Honourable Prime Minister

Khaleda Zia inaugurated the construction of a replica of the Shaheed Minar during her visit to Japan in last July. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan, H.E. Mr. M. Sirajul Islam, will lay the flower.

For more information, please contact the Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan.
Tel:81-(0)3-5704-0216/18
Fax:81-(0)3-5704-1696
http://www.bdembjp.com/index.htm

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI) will organize "Promotion of Trade & Investment, Japan-Bangladesh Initiatives" at the DCCI Auditorium at 14:30 on Monday, February 27. Honourable Minister for Commerce, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Choudhury M.P., Ambassador Horiguchi and other distinguished guests will be present. There will be presentations by members of both DCCI and JBCCI and open discussion by participants.

* Fair Trade Caravan (Mar 3-5, Tokyo)
Shaplaneer will organize "Fair Trade Event" from 3 to 5 of March at Art Space Ryabina. There will be display of Nokshikata and other products will be on sale. Ms. Ayumi Nakamori who has been stationed in Bangladesh will make a speech on the future of fair trade from 18:30-20:00 on Friday, March 3 (30 seats will be available on a first come, first serve basis). The admission is free.
Friday, March 3: 13:00-21:00
Saturday, March 4: 10:00-19:00
Sunday, March 5: 10:00-16:00
Art Space Ryabina
(Close proximity of A3 Exit of Omote Sando Station. Map is available at http://www.ryabina.com/ )
Fore more information, please contact Shaplaneer.
Tel:81-(0)3-3202-7863
Fax:81-(0)3-3202-4593
e-mail: craft@shaplaneer.org

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* Japan Festival
-Opening Ceremony (Feb 7, Dhaka) The inaugural ceremony for the "Japan Festival 2006," a composite cultural programme, was held on February 7 at Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium, Bangladesh National Museum. Around 150 guests including Honourable Minister for Information, H.E. Mr. M. Shamsul Islam, and Ambassador Horiguchi were present.
Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_japanfestival070206.html
Press release regarding the opening ceremony:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_japanfestival070206.pdf

- Discover Japan Exhibition (Feb 13 & 14, Dhaka)
"Discover Japan Exhibition," inaugurated by Honourable Vice-Chancellor at the University of Dhaka, Prof. S.M.A. Faiz, was held on February 13 and 14 at Bangladesh National Museum. The exhibition was co-organized by Dhaka Japanese Language Alumni Association (DAJLIAA), Bangladesh Japan Youth Friendship Association (BJYFA), and Embassy of Japan.

This exhibition was a blending of programmes, representing various aspects of Japanese culture. It focused on traditional aspects of Japanese culture through replica, reproduction, books and publications. There was also counselling on higher education in Japan.

* Japan-UNICEF Joint Learning Mission (Feb 5-7, Bangladesh)
A high level UNICEF-Japan Joint Learning Mission visited Bangladesh from February 5 to 7 in order to identify good practices involving Japan-UNICEF collaboration and then export those practices to other countries.

The mission went to Rangamati District in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and observed activities under the Integrated Community Development Project in early childhood development, health and nutrition education, and water and sanitation activities in the UNICEF-supported para centres.

They also had a briefing on Primary Education Development Programme and visited Gazipur to see Intensive District Approach to Education for All schools.

They had a meeting with ERD officials and concluded their trip with a field consultation meeting. The results of this mission will be reported to the Japan-UNICEF annual meeting in New York in March.

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[4] JBCCI Member Report
"Business in Bangladesh, a story of struggle" Mr. Kazuhiko Ito, Managing Director, ITO CORPORATION LTD.

I have been staying in Bangladesh for fifteen years. It is a long time. I do business with Bangladesh and Bangladeshi people. I went through many bitter experiences with some local people, customs and police departments. But I do not want to elaborate on these experiences, because I do believe in a famous saying: " you can learn from your bad experience, but you need not remember those."

I want to always look ahead. Ito Corporation Ltd. is the only agent of world famous Japanese machine manufacturer, SHIMA SEIKI MFG; LTD. SHIMA's main product is a computerized flat knitting machine for sweater, collar, cuff, glove and sock. When I tried to explore the market of computerized machine in Bangladesh for the first time some years ago, I found Bangladeshi garment industry owners were very smart. It is a golden rule to be smart to do business.

But they lacked the long-term vision. I had the advantage of visiting many garment companies in Bangladesh and getting acquainted with executive managers there. I always tried to be patient in making them understand the future of computerized machine. Today, I believe that I have succeeded a little. SHIMA SEIKI machine has become very familiar in the Bangladeshi knitting arena.

However, I have to do more to export the Bangladeshi sweater products (specially the Jacquard and Intatia orders) to the world. At present, my staff are knocking door to door at all the sweater companies, one by one. I can see the future in this sector. It is amazing; it is really promising.

From the very beginning in Bangladesh, I have struggled a lot with some psychological differences between the countrymen and myself. Sometimes I adjusted myself while other times I showed my strength and resisted to change. I am sorry but some of my own staff tried to harass me though I gave such an opportunity to them. I managed those situations with discipline as well as kept trust in the other good staff.

I have been working here for a long time, enjoying the kind cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Japanese society, Ms. Kaori Ito, Director of my company, some Bangladeshi friends, and the beautiful nature of this country. Thanks to all of them.

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[5] Editor's Note
I went to the Japan Festival 2006 at the National Museum. Embarrassed to say but I began more interested in and started learning more about Japanese art and so I appreciate this opportunity. Also, looking at photos taken on the occasion of Japanese and Bangladeshi presidents and prime ministers' visits to the other country, I learned again that the current Japan-Bangladesh relationship is the result of efforts made through a long period of time. I hope you can make it to the Festival.

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