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Need Japan by our side

PM says in Tokyo

UNB, Tokyo
Urging Japanese friends to keep nurturing the wonderful relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh needs Japan to continue its support.
“Our government adheres to the ideology of our freedom struggle and intends to establish secularism and pluralism in our society. To do so, we need Japan by our side to provide support [in fields] that also include our infrastructural and human resource development, power generation, etc,” shesaid.
The prime minister was speaking before the Japanese friends and former ambassadors of Japan to Bangladesh when they met her at her place of residence at Akasaka Palace in the evening.
Hasina noted that Japanese support would help Bangladesh realise its "Vision 2021", which would be a step forward in creating "Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Mentioning her party's coming to power for a consecutive second term, she said, “Our commitment continues to
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strengthen democratic institutions and democratic process with respect to the rule of law and practice of good governance."
In the process, Hasina said, her government has taken a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and extremism.
"We're trying the war criminals for the crimes committed during our War of Independence inl971," sheadded.
The prime minister said it was a matter of great pride and honour for her to be among them as it reminds her of them and their families' invaluable contribution that gave Bangladesh strength and inspiration during its heroic struggle for independence in 1971.
"It also reminds me of your tireless efforts in mobilising public opinion in Japan that persuaded your government to be among the first countries to accord recognition to Bangladesh as an independent nation. Indeed, you have been our friend in need and have carved out a
permanent niche in our hearts," she added.
Hasina said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ensured that Japan should be one of the first countries for him to visit as to express Bangladeshi people's gratitude for Japan's selfless and passionate support at a time when it was desperately needed.
“His historic visit in 1973 paved the way for cementing the best of relationship between our two countries. Your contribution during our nation's independence movement can never be repaid. However, during my immediate past tenure as prime minister, we endeavoured to recognise our Japanese heroes with our highest State Awards," sheadded.
The prime minister said she was saddened to learn that some of the Japanese friends have died. Among them was Professor Tsuyoshi Nara, a great friend of Bangladesh and one who had promoted Bengali language, philosophy and cul-
ture in Japan.
"His absence will be sorely missed but he'll remain in our hearts forever. I see Mrs Nara with us today and I express my deepest condolences to her as I do also to the families of our other good friends of Bangladesh - Takashi Hayakawa and General Fujiwara and others who have passed away. Their spirits will always be with the people of Bangladesh," she said.
Hasina said some in this esteemed gathering are former ambassadors of Japan to Bangladesh who are familiar as she had interacted with them during her years as the prime minister or as the leader of the opposition.
While in Bangladesh, she said they served sincerely to consolidate the relationship between the two countries.
She thanked the friends of Bangladesh for their noble initiative to translate 'Unfinished Memoir', the autobiography of Bangabandhu, in Japanese language.
Earlier, a one-minute silence was
observed as a mark of respect to the memory of Prof Tsuyoshi Nara, a great friend ofBangladesh.
A total of 18 friends ofBangladesh and former Japanese ambassadors to Bangladesh were present at the function.
The prime minister handed over the copies of'Unfinished Memoir', the autobiography of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with her autographs to the friends and former ambassadors.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin, PM's Media Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, PM's Principal Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, PM's Special Assistant Mahbubul Hoque Shakil were, among others, present.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Masud Bin Momen conducted the function held at the Akasaka Palace.