Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized an annual memorial ceremony on Monday to pay condolences to the seven Japanese consultants who died during the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016.
The ceremony, which took place at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre (MEIC) in Uttara, was broadcasted online, reads a press release.
The seven Japanese officials, who significantly contributed to the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project, were memorialized for their invaluable efforts.
Dr Yamada Junichi, executive senior vice president of JICA, expressed his deep sadness and regret over the tragedy, saying: “Seven years have passed since the tragic incident. Many precious lives were lost, including those of Bangladeshi police officers and citizens. As one of the comrades engaging in international cooperation, I am filled with the deepest sadness and regret at the loss of all those who dedicated their invaluable efforts and time to the development of Bangladesh. Last year, we established a memorial monument in Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre. The monument shows our firm pledge to never forget their tremendous contributions and legacy.”
During the speech, he also shared that JICA has been taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of those engaged in the operations.
CourtesyAdditionally, for the safety and accessibility of various passengers, Line 6 of Dhaka metro rail has been equipped with elevators, automatic wide ticket gates, braille blocks, priority seats for older adults, women-only cars, and many more, he said.
JICA would continue to monitor the project so that the legacy of the seven Japanese nationals lives on through the accelerating economic growth and social change of Bangladesh, he added.
The Government of Japan was the partner of the ceremony along with the Government of Bangladesh, and Japanese consultants such as Almec Corporation, Oriental Consultants Global, and Katahira and Engineers International.
The ceremony was attended by Dr Yamada Junichi, executive senior vice president of JICA, Iwama Kiminori, Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh, Yonezawa Eiji, CEO and president of Oriental Consultants Global Company Limited, Toufique Hasan, director general (East Asia and Pacific) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, MAN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, Neelima Akhter, additional secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and Sharifa Khan, secretary of Economic Relations Division.
