[Table of Contents]
[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi
"History of the Japanese Society in Dhaka and Spring Festival"

[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Fair Trade Caravan (Mar 3-5, Tokyo)
* Solid Waste Management Conference (Mar 5, Dhaka)
* 12th Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh (Mar 5-31, Dhaka)
* Seminar on Japan's Modernization (Mar 13, Dhaka)

[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* DCCI/JBCCI Seminar on Trade & Investment (Feb 27, Dhaka)
* Seminar on Local Government Coordination Programme (Feb 27, Dhaka)
* Bangladesh Measles Catch-up Campaign (Feb 25, Dhaka)
* International Mother Language Day Event (Feb 21, Tokyo)
* Bengali Speech Contest & Music Contest (Feb 18, Dhaka)
* Japan Festival (Feb 7-18, Dhaka)

[4] Information
* Interview with Foreign Minister of Japan (Feb 10, Daily Star)
* Article by Dr. Ataur Rahman (Feb 19, Daily Star)

[5] Relay Essay by Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka
(Sho-ko-kai) Member
"The Great Flood of 1988"
(Mr. Akihiko Mishima, General Manager, Toyo Engineering Corporation
Dhaka Office)

[6] Editor's Note

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[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi "History of the Japanese Society in Dhaka and Spring Festival"

Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (Sho-ko-kai) has recently published a booklet commemorating the 30th year of its inception, which looks back the history of the Japanese society in Bangladesh. As the editor, Mr. Kunito Nishimura aimed at making the booklet "interesting to read, informative, and valuable as record." The contents are really interesting and I encouraged all Japanese who are involved with Bangladesh to read it.

The booklet refers to the Spring Festival several times. In particular, a Japanese businessman said that the Spring Festival is a big event for the Japanese Association to be proud of. He thought that such strong solidarity could not be seen anywhere but in Bangladesh. He requested the Festival to continue and the unity to stay firm
forever.

This year's Spring Festival was held on February 17 with around 300 attendees. Both adults and children prepared very well for their performances, and the audience including myself were impressed with the Japanese spirits. Among all, the Indian dance by small children was impressive. On the following day, the Indian dance by six Japanese women was outstanding, too, at the cultural programme following the Bengali Speech Contest organized by the JUAAB.

The spirit of cooperation of the Japanese people at the Spring Festival is the result of solidarity and spirit of mutual support, which have been nurtured because of the tough living condition in Bangladesh. I wonder, however, why we retain this strong unity even though the living condition has been significantly improved. Is it because the life is still difficult to require the unity? Or, because of the tradition's power of the Spring Festival, which has continued with only one cancellation for more than 30 years since 1974? Or is there any other reasons? Regardless of the reason, I also hope that the Spring Festival will continue forever with the same spirit and zeal.

Ambassador Horiguchi's message of the last issue "Campaign to enhance national pride and self-confidence of Bangladeshi people" was carried in the op-ed section of the New Nation:
http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_25656.shtml
(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

* 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


* Solid Waste Management Conference (Mar 5, Dhaka)
Dhaka City Corporation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will jointly organize Bangladesh Solid Waste Management Conference 2006 at Radisson Water Garden Hotel on March 5 at 11AM. Honourable Mayors of six cities and Ambassador Horiguchi will address the solid waste management issue, aiming at networking for the urban cities of Bangladesh.

(JICA' Support for Solid Waste Management in Dhaka City)
http://www.jica.go.jp/bangladesh/activities/01_4_1.html

* 12th Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh (Mar 5-31, Dhaka)
The 12th Asian Art Biennale, Bangladesh will be held from 5 to 31 of March at Osmani Memorial Hall. The Japan Foundation participates in this modern art exhibition by sending two Japanese artists, Mr. Hiroshi Fuji and Mr. Yuken Teruya.

The works of Mr. Fuji and Mr. Teruya share a concern with used, waste materials and ho this can be re configured or re-appropriated to create other possibilities.


* Seminar on Japan's Modernization (Mar 13, Dhaka)
Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI), JETRO, and the Embassy of Japan will jointly organize a seminar on "Sources of Success for Japan's Modernization- Historical and Cultural Perspective" at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club on March 13 at 5PM.

A speaker will be President of the Tokugawa Memorial Foundation, Mr. Tsunenari Tokugawa, who is also the 18th Head of Tokugawa Shogunal Household. He will focus on the Japanese people, the modernization process of Japan and its relevance to the development of Bangladesh. For more information, please contact the Cultural Section of the Embassy of Japan.

Tel: 881-0087
Fax: 882-6737
e-mail: information@embjp.accesstel.net
(Tokugawa Memorial Foundation)
http://www.tokugawa.ne.jp/

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[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* DCCI/JBCCI Seminar on Trade & Investment (Feb 27, Dhaka)
A seminar on "Promotion of Trade and Investment: Japan-Bangladesh Initiatives" jointly organized by DCCI and JBCCI was held at the DCCI auditorium on February 27. Minister for Commerce, H.E. Mr. Altaf Hossain Choudhury, Ambassador Horiguchi, President of FBCCI, Mr. Mir Nasir Hossain, and other distinguished guests attended the seminar.

The purpose of the session was to explore the tangible business and investment possibilities between Japan and Bangladesh on both short and long term basis and to identify the encountered impediments on the way. Then, a set of recommendations was forwarded to the Commerce Minister and to the Embassy of Japan for necessary actions.

The documents presented at the seminar, including the recommendations,
are posted on the following website:
http://www.jetro.go.jp/bangladesh/eng/jbcci/index.html

Ambassador Horiguchi's made the following speech entitled "Japan's Contribution to Promoting Trade and Investment in Bangladesh":
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_dccijbcci270206.html
(JBCCI Website)
http://www.jetro.go.jp/bangladesh/eng/jbcci/index.html
(DCCI Website)
http://www.dhakachamber.com/

* Seminar on Local Government Coordination Programme (Feb 27, Dhaka)

Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and JICA jointly organized a seminar on "Local Development Coordination Programme (LCDP) to Disseminate Experience on the Pilot Intervention" at LGED on February 27. Secretary of Local Government Division, Mr. S.M. Jahrul Islam, Ambassador Horiguchi, and other distinguished guests were present. Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_ldcp270206.html


* Bangladesh Measles Catch-up Campaign (Feb 25, Dhaka)
The inaugural ceremony of National Measles Catch-up Campaign (Phase-2) was held at Dhaka Shishu Hospital on February 25. Minister for Health and Family Welfare, H.E. Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, MP, State Minister for Health & Family Welfare, H.E. Mr. Mizanur Rahman, Ambassador Horiguchi and other distinguished guests celebrated the launching. Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_measles250206.html

* International Mother Language Day Event (Feb 21, Tokyo)
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan and the Toshima City Office jointly organized a flower offering ceremony at the Ikebukuro West Park on 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, and Mayor of Toshima City, Mr. Yukio Tanaka, laid the flower wreaths. (Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan)
http://www.bdembjp.com/index.htm

* Bengali Speech Contest & Music Contest (Feb 18, Dhaka)
The Japanese Universities alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB) organized 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, on 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 were present.
(JUAAB Website)
http://www.juaab.org

* Japan Festival 2006 (Feb 7-18, Dhaka)
The Embassy of Japan, the Japan Foundation and the Bangladesh National Museum organized the Japan Festival, a composite cultural programme, from 7 to 18 of February at the Bangladesh National Museum premises.

We had the Japanese Contemporary Clay Work Exhibition, the Photo Exhibition on Japan-Bangladesh Relations, the Discovery Japan Exhibition, and the Japanese Film Festival. Many people both Bangladeshis and Japanese came to enjoy the Japanese culture. (Press release on the Japan Festival)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_japanfestival050206.pdf
(Press release on the Opening Ceremony)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_japanfestival070206.pdf
(Press release on the Film Festival)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_filmfestival140206.pdf
Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech at the Opening
Ceremony:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_japanfestival070206.html

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[4] Information
* Interview with Foreign Minister of Japan (Feb 10, Daily Star)
Interview with Foreign Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Taro Aso, was carried on the Daily Star on February 10.

(The article on the interview)
http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/02/10/d6021001086.htm
(Full text of the interview)
http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/02/10/d60210150198.htm

The interview was also carried in the Prothom Alo on the same day.
* Article by Dr. Ataur Rahman (Feb 19, Daily Star)
Article entitled "Japan's hands of friendship: Have we gripped it well?" written by Founder-Director of Japan Study Center at Dhaka University, Dr. Ataur Rahman, was carried on the Daily Star Special Edition on February 19.
The article is available at the following website:
http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/bangladesh&theworld/bd_world13.htm

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[5] Relay Essay by Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka
(Sho-ko-kai) Members "The Great Flood of 1988" (Mr. Akihiko Mishima, General Manager, Toyo Engineering Corporation Dhaka Office)

One day in October 1988, I arrived at Dhaka Airport early in the morning. The land around the airport was already under water due to the flood. I saw about 20 people moving around with white nets in their hands. Looking closely, I found that they were catching fish. I was quite impressed that everybody was holding a fishing net. However, I learned later that they were white mosquito nets.

Back then, I was living nearby the Gulshan Lake and my office was in Motijheel, where most of the Japanese companies also had their offices. One day, I found water-hyacinth and some small fishes in the water in front of my house. It became difficult to commute by a sedan car and so I switched to a land cruiser. Before long, rubber boats and traditional wooden boats started to ply a shortcut between Gulshan and Motijheel. However, rickshaws with a high seat continued to run. I appreciated the design which made the rickshaws operable in a flood.

Under such condition, I had to visit Ghorasal on business. After crossing the Shitalakkya Bridge, the only thing I was able to see was water; high waves were also being formed due to strong wind. On both sides of the road, poor people, whose houses were washed away, were taking refuge in small barns together with their cows, goats and chickens. On my way back, I shivered to see the water piercing into the road at three spots.

In the following few days, it became increasingly difficult to move around even by the land cruiser. Just when I started considering abandoning my house, the water level began decreasing.

It is said that this flood inflicted the most serious damage in 80 years. What was worse, Bangladesh was ravaged by a cyclone in April 1991, which killed almost 200,000 people. The damages of these natural
disasters are really heart-breaking.

In February 2004, a Japanese paper carried an article entitled "The world will have a few billion environmental refugees in the near future" written by Mr. R. Brown, the Director General of the American Research Centre for Global Policy. The article shed lights on the global-scale environmental destruction and consequences happening around the world. When I read this article, I could not but shiver like I did when I saw the water as well as the poor people on both sides of the road between Dhaka and Ghorasal.

Since the sea-level is rising very slowly, it is probably not a problem of today or tomorrow. However, considering the rapidly growing population of Bangladesh and the limited habitable land area, effective measures to reduce CO2 exhaustion and to promote forestation are very important for Bangladesh. In addition, how to tackle
increasing population is also one of the most urgent issues for the future generation of this country.

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[6] Editor's Note
I was deeply shocked to see the picture of the collapsed building on the paper. It symbolizes the result of excessive pursuit of own economic gains at the sacrifice of human lives. Japan cannot talk big about this, considering we have had similar issues. Whenever I pass by construction sites (and you know how often), I cannot but hope they are observing regulations.

Editor, Saori Nagase

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