What's New

    On July 2, 2026, a memorial ceremony was solemnly held at the Metrorail Exhibition and Information Center (MEIC) in Dhaka to honor the seven Japanese nationals who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Dhaka on July 1, 2016, while they were engaged in the Preparatory Study on the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Development Project.
 
    This year marks the ten-year milestone of the tragic incident. The ceremony was attended by Mr. SHIMADA Tomoaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi, Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, President of JICA, representatives of the bereaved families and the Japanese consulting firms involved in the project, as well as senior officials from the Government of Bangladesh and Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited. The program included addresses of condolence, a moment of silent prayer, and flower offerings at the memorial monument.
 
    On behalf of the Government of Japan, Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA delivered his condolences. In his remarks, he stated that the Dhaka Metro, to which the seven victims dedicated their efforts, has now become an indispensable part of daily life for the people of Dhaka, and that the construction of MRT Line 1 and MRT Line 5 Northern Route is proceeding based on the surveys undertaken by them. He also noted that, having taken a ride on the Dhaka Metro the previous day, he was able to feel firsthand that the dream envisioned by the seven victims has taken shape and is supporting life in the city of Dhaka.
 
    Parliamentary Vice-Minister SHIMADA further stated that the Dhaka Metro is a long-cherished dream for Bangladesh and a symbol of friendship between Japan and Bangladesh. In this tenth year since the incident, he expressed, on behalf of the Government of Japan, profound respect and gratitude for the contributions of the seven individuals who dedicated themselves to the development of Bangladesh and the introduction of the MRT system.
 
    On July 1, in advance of the MEIC memorial ceremony, Ambassador SAIDA also attended a commemoration ceremony hosted by H.E. Mr. Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy, at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador, where he joined representatives of Bangladesh, Italy, the United States, India, the Bangladesh Police, the victims’ families, and others in offering flowers in memory of all the victims of the terrorist attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery.
 
    Japan strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and remains firmly committed to working closely with Bangladesh and the international community to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. The Government of Japan also attaches the utmost importance to ensuring the safety and security of all those engaged in ODA projects and other activities for the development of Bangladesh. At the same time, Japan remains committed to working hand in hand with the people and the Government of Bangladesh to complete the MRT project and to further deepen the bonds of friendship between Japan and Bangladesh, built upon shared sacrifice, mutual trust, and a common resolve for peace.