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Japan-Bangladesh E-Bulletin (47th Issue / Mar 30, 2006)
- Making a Bridge between Japan and Bangladesh -
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This E-Bulletin is to share updated information and stories about Japan-Bangladesh relations with as many people as possible.
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[Table of Contents]
[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi
"River Erosions in Bangladesh"
[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Japan Development Scholarship Candidates Nomination Ceremony (Apr 10, Dhaka)
* Pohela Boishakh Event (Apr 16, Tokyo)
[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Japan's Support for Health Care and Welfare Services for Elders
(Mar 29, Dhaka)
* Japan's Support for Human Capacity Development (Mar 28, Dhaka)
* Seminar on Trade and Investment (Mar 27, Chittagong)
* Japanese Language Speech Contest (Mar 24, Dhaka)
* Japan's Support for Training for Disable People (Mar 23, Dhaka)
* Japan's Support to Liberation War Museum (Mar 22, Dhaka)
* Twenty Bangladeshis Study in Japan (Mar 21, Dhaka)
* Japan's Support for Mother and Childcare (Mar 20, Dhaka)
* Japan's Food Aid through the World Food Programme (Mar 17, Rome)
[4] Information
* Japan's New ODA Initiative on Water and Sanitation (Mar 20, Mexico City)
[5] Relay Essay by Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (Sho-ko-kai) Members "My Experiences in Dhaka" (Mr. Kato, Former Project Manager of Shimizu Corporation Dhaka Office)
[7] Editor's Note
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[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi "River Erosions in Bangladesh"
I recently accompanied Mr. Shin Sakurai, Member of the House of Councilors of Japan, to Bhola on the invitation by Minister for Water Resources, H.E. Maj (Rtd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed. It took eight and a half hours by a boat from Dhaka to Bhola. There, the Lower Meghna river, the Padma river joined by the Jamuna river at Aricha and the Meghna river at Chandpur, flows into the Bay of Bengal. Some big islands such as Bhola and Hatiya have been created over the years by deposits like silts, which are carried down all the way from the Himalayas.
The river becomes as wide as 10 kilometers at some points, and going down such a wide river always makes me feel as if I became the part of infinite nature. The boat was equipped with a gauge to measure the depth and it was from several meters to twelve or thirteen meters. Since accumulations on the river-bed frequently change, a boat sometimes runs on a heap; in that case, people have to wait for high tide or another boat that can pull it down from the heap. Also, fishermen sometimes lay nets all over the river, and divers are usually on board in case if an engine is caught in those nets. Most riverbanks are eroded due to lack of protection, but I saw some banks with protection works, where villages have been built without exception.
Getting off the boat at Bhola, we visited one of the river bank protection sites. Concrete blocks of 40 cubic centimeters were mounted on an embankment. I was a little worried about its effect since the blocks had irregular spaces between them. However, a local engineer showed me a map, which illustrated a huge gap between banks with some protection embankments and the ones with no protection; the bank with no protection,which is adjacent to the one with concrete blocks, has been eroded by 200 meters every year. Since most embankments last two to five years, people have to build a new embankment behind the old one and consequently, villagers have to rebuild their houses behind the new embankment. Minister Ahmed told us with deep emotion that he had seen many rich people going broke overnight.
One local newspaper carried an article about river erosions a week later. It said that 8,700 hectares of lands have been eroded and 150,000 people have lost their homes along 2,400 kilometer banks on both sides of the Jamuna, the Padma and the Meghna rivers. The earth and sands accumulate in low lands and create new islands called "char." The river authorities accelerate the accumulation by bridging small islands withembankments in waters south of Bhola. These newly built islands are going to be distributed to farmers who lost their lands.
However, the article reported that only 1,936 hectares of lands had been created while 24,137 hectares had been eroded along 90 kilometer banks from Chandpur to Hatiya on the Lower Meghna river from 1984 to 2003. The number of landless farmers will continuously increase due to river erosion and also population increase. The river erosion problem is a grave concern in a small country like Bangladesh in the first place.
What kind of measure is effective to stop erosions by rivers, which spread from several to ten kilometers? Concrete blocks can achieve some results but it requires a prohibitively huge amount of cost becauseBangladesh has to import stones from India and transport sands from Sylhet, and because the concrete blocks are manually produced.
Some may argue that such a huge amount of money could be utilized for providing farmers with more sustainable living means. I hope that local people and the government, who are living with these vast rivers for centuries, should devote considerable thoughts toward devising an effective measure against river erosions, though I would like to consider what kind of assistance foreign countries can make.
(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 Development Scholarship Candidates Nomination Ceremony
(Apr 10, Dhaka)
The nomination announcement ceremony for Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) candidates and report session by JDS returnees will be organized by Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance, and Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) at the NEC Building on Monday, April 10 from 10:00 to 12:00.Additional Secretary of ERD, H.E. Mr. SK. A. K. Motahar Hossain, Ambassador Horiguchi, and other
istinguished guests will be present to congratulate this year's candidates.
The Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resources Development Scholarship, more commonly known as the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) is designed to provide greater opportunities for young Bangladeshis in both public and private sectors so that they can contribute to nation-building activities.
(Japan Development Scholarship for Bangladesh)
http://www.jice.org/english/jds/bangladesh_org.html
* Pohela Boishakh Event (Apr 16, Tokyo)
There will be an event "Baishakhi Mela" to celebrate the Bangladeshi New Year "Pohela Boishakh" at the Ikebukuro West Park on April 16 from 11:00 to 18:00.
In addition to a free medical consultation, there will be a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the construction of a Shaheed Minar replica, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in July.
Program is as follows: 11:00-14:00 Free Medical Consultation 11:00-18:00 Curry Festival 11:00-14:00 Children's Drawings and Songs11:00-14:00 Poem Reading and Songs 15:00-18:00 New Year Concert
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[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Japan's Support for Health Care and Welfare Services for Elders (Mar 29, Dhaka)
On March 29, Ambassador Horiguchi signed a Grant Contract of US$90,141 (approximately Taka 63 lac) with Secretary General of Bangladesh Association for the Aged and Institute of Geriatric Medicine (BAAIGM), Dr. Mahboober Rahman.
BAAIGM receives this grant for the Project for Modernization of Hospital to Ensure Low Cost Treatment for Elderly People. This project is aimed at modernizing the hospital with latest medical equipments so that better diagnosis and treatment can be possible for elder patients with low price.
(Press release regarding the signing ceremony)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_baaigm290306.pdf
* Japan's Support for Human Capacity Development (Mar 28, Dhaka)
On March 28, Ambassador Horiguchi signed a Grant Contract of US$88,569 (approximately Taka 62 lac) with Executive Director of Human Development Organization (HDO).
HDO receives this grant for the project to construct Human Development Organization Training Centre at Gournadi Upazilla, Barisal. This centre will help HDO and other local NGOs to provide quality and effective trainings on agriculture, poultry, livestock, human rights, life skills, sanitation, savings and credit, staff development and leadership training etc.
(Press release regarding the Contest)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_hdo280306.pdf
* Seminar on Trade and Investment (Mar 27, Chittagong)
The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI) jointly organized "Promotion of Trade & Investment: Japan-Bangladesh Initiatives" at the Chittagong Chamber House on March 27. Ambassador Horiguchi and other distinguished guests were present.
* Japanese Language Speech Contest (Mar 24, Dhaka)
The 30th Japanese Language Speech Contest was held by the Dhaka Japanese Language Institute Alumni Association (DAJLIAA) at Hotel Abakash on March 24, in collaboration with the Japanese Language Departmentof Dhaka University and the Embassy of Japan, sponsored by the Japan Foundation.
Sixteen participants contested in front of around 150 audience including Ambassador Horiguchi.
(Press release regarding the Contest)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_jpnspeech280306.pdf
* Japan's Support for Training for Disable People (Mar 23, Dhaka)
On March 23, Ambassador Horiguchi signed a grant contract of US$73,430 (approximately Taka 50 lac) with Chief Executive of Save the Planet and Disability (SPD), Mr. Ayub Nabi Molla.
SPD receives this grant to construct a center for Vocational Training, Employment-Generation and Health Support Program for people with disabilities in Mujibnagar upazila, Meherpur. The center will provide vocational training on computer, engineering, tailoring, candle-making, printing trade etc.
(Press release regarding the signing ceremony)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_spd230306.pdf
* Japan's Support to Liberation War Museum (Mar 22, Dhaka)
A grant contract on "Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects" was signed by Ambassador Horiguchi and Trustee at Liberation War Museum, Mr. Mofidul Hoque, on March 22, the day which happily coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Museum.
The Government of Japan provides the Museum with the modern audio-visual and exhibition devices in order to portray the independence movement of Bangladesh in a better way.
The "Cultural Grant Aid" of the Government of Japan, including the "Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects," is designed to promote and preserve cultural heritage of other countries. Japan granted about 54,370 million yen for 1,380 projects in 126 countries or areas from 1975 to 2004.
(Press release regarding the signing ceremony)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_lwm220306.pdf
* Twenty Bangladeshis Study in Japan (Mar 21, Dhaka)
The Government of Japan granted scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship) to 20 Bangladeshi students to study at higher academic institutions in Japan.
An orientation program was held at the Embassy of Japan on March 14 for the grantees. Ambassador Horiguchi and the General Secretary of Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB), Prof. Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, were present.
(Press release regarding the orientation)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_monbukagakusho210306.pdf
(JUAAB)
http://www.juaab.org
* Japan's Support for Mother and Childcare (Mar 20, Dhaka)
On March 20, Ambassador Horiguchi signed a Grant Contract of US$90,371 (approximately Taka 63.5 lac) with Chairman at the Eskander Welfare Foundation, Mr. M.A. Salam Talukder.
The Eskander Welfare Foundation receives this grant for construction of the Mother and Child Care Training Institute in Pirojpur. This project is expected to benefit 50 doctors, 500 paramedics, nurses, and health visitors.
(Press release regarding the signing ceremony)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_ewf200306.pdf
* Japan's Food Aid through the World Food Programme (Mar 17, Rome)
The World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed the Government of Japan's decision to provide 500 million yen (29.4 crore taka/ US$4.32 million) of food aid in support of its Integrated Food Security Activities in Bangladesh. The contribution is expected to help improve the nutritional status of some 1.1 million vulnerable people in the
country.
The Government of Japan decided to extend food aid of 1.385 billion yen (approximately US$12.9 million) through the WFP to countries and regions which have an influence on regional peace and stability, or countries in need of food being in a fragile transitional stage. Notes to this effect were exchanged between Mr. Yuji Nakamura, Japanese Ambassador to Italy, and Mr. James Morris, Executive Director of the WFP on March 17 in Rome.
(Press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2006/3/0317-3.html
(Press release by the WFP Bangladesh and the Embassy of Japan)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_japanwfp190306.pdf
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[4] Information
* Japan's New ODA Initiative on Water and Sanitation (Mar 20, Mexico City) Japan announced a new ODA Initiative: "Water and Sanitation Broad Partnership Initiative (WASABI)" at the Fourth World Water Forum held in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 20.
Japan is the largest donor on water and sanitation since the 1990s. Japan's ODA related to water and sanitation between 2000 and 2004 was $4.6 billion, constituting 41% of the bilateral donors' total. Under WASABI, Japanwill strengthen its contribution on water and sanitation to contribute toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
WASABI particularly emphasizes three key approaches: the sustainable water use, the human security perspective, partnerships with international organizations, other donor countries, local governments and NGOs, etc.
Wasabi is a plant indigenous to Japan that can only inhabit locations where clean spring water flows. The underground stem has an intense, piquant flavor and is universally known for its use as a condiment on foods like sushi. (Announcement regarding this initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2006/3/0320.html
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[5] Relay Essay by Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka
(Sho-ko-kai) Members
"My Experiences in Dhaka" (Mr. Kato, Former Project Manager of Shimizu
Corporation Dhaka Office)
I came to Bangladesh for the first time in 1977. It was right after the independence in 1971, a big cyclone in 1974, and the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. The political as well as the economic conditions of the country was very unstable. In those days, the country was under the Martial Law, and the curfew was imposed at night. Soldiers were on duty, patrolling in different parts of the city which was calm and quiet because nobody was out.
Probably, it is not exaggerating to say that the country could survive thanks to the economic assistances from foreign countries. My assignment to Bangladesh at that time was indeed related the Official Development Aid (ODA) of Japan. I was involved in the construction work under the Grant Aid program and in the construction of the Sonargaon Hotel under the Yen Credit Program of the Government of Japan. My relations with Bangladeshcontinued even after I returned to Japan in 1981. I have recently involved with the construction of the Chittagong International Airport and the Rupsha Bridge in Khulna.
When I landed in Dhaka 27 years ago, the Dhaka Airport was notoriously inhospitable. After a check-point for vaccination against Cholera and Small Pox, I proceeded to a immigration desk and finally to the Customs. I felt exhausted due to all these procedures for entering into the country. My wife joined me three months later and in September 1977, a frightening incident happened in Dhaka. A plane of Japan Airlines bound for Dhaka was hijacked by a group of "Red Army" and it was stranded there for six days. The negotiation with the hijackers was led by the then Chief of Air Force, Mr. A. G. Mahmood.
His patient efforts were televised in Japan, and his successful art of negotiation became a popular topic. On the other hand, he was internationally criticized for easily giving in to the hijackers out of his principle "human life is heavier than the earth." However, this painful incident was successfully resolved within a shorter time than expected, and many of the passengers on board were released unhurt. All the Japanese people living in Dhaka extended their sympathy to the released passengers who were staying at the Inter-Continental Hotel (now Dhaka Sheraton Hotel). Ironically, Dhaka and Bangladesh, which was just a new-born country, became famous thanks to this incident.
The situation of Dhaka in those days was similar to that of Japan after the Second World War. Therefore, the solidarity of the Japanese Association was very strong and the relationship among its members was warm and special. This strong unity made it possible for us to host our gorgeous "Spring Festival" and "Sports Meet" in which adult members took part with great enthusiasm. Committee members in charge of those activities were serious but cheerful. Many members of the Japanese Association were living in Gulshan and Banani areas which were very calm, quiet and safe though hard to imagine now. Rickshaws were moving slowly inside of these residential areas and cars were passing only now and then. I tried pulling a rickshaw along with my junior colleagues on Gulshan Avenue.
Everybody has a mobile phone today while telecommunication was in a poor situation in those days. TELEX was a main medium of international communication not only in Bangladesh but also in other countries. The telephone system and network in Bangladesh was already outdated and this was always a big trouble for us. It was extremely difficult to get on the line regardless of whether it was a domestic call or an international call; it took at least 5 minutes to succeed. Therefore, contacting the Head Office over the phone was limited to a pre-fixed schedule or in an emergency. In a sense, it was good for us because we were able to concentrate on our work without being interrupted by an unexpected call.
Among developments that Bangladesh has achieved within a quarter century, a first visible thing is women going to work early morning in full spirits. This is definitely a remarkable progress. Since Bangladesh is a Muslim dominant country, women were not allowed to go outside very easily. Though Bangladesh has achieved material progresses during the last 30 years, environmental degradation has been proceeding, and the law and order has got worse in all over Bangladesh. It overshadows the future of this country. In a way, I miss those days when we had material concerns.
My elder son was born in Dhaka, and I would like to show him again his birth-place. Also, I would like to get a chance to work for the development of Bangladesh again.
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[7] Editor's Note
There were many signing ceremonies of Grant Contracts between Ambassador Horiguchi and respective organizations this month. I sincerely hope that Japan's assistance will effectively help Bangladesh further develop socially and economically.
Editor, Saori Nagase
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