A two-day international conference titled "Young Scholars Conference 2026 on Japan's Soft Diplomacy in South Asia: Change and Continuity" has opened at Dhaka University, organized jointly by the university's Department of Japanese Studies and the Japanese Studies Association in South Asia, with funding from the Japan Foundation.
The inauguration was held on Monday at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam presiding over the opening session.
Prime Minister's Adviser Rehan Asif Asad attended as chief guest, while Managing Director of the Japan Foundation Tokyo, Wakao Koike, and Minister at the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, Takahashi Naoki, were present as special guests.
Among the honoured guests were Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr Taiabur Rahman and Director General of the Japan Foundation New Delhi, Koji Sato. Also present were Japanese Studies Association in South Asia President Professor Dr Srabani Roy Chowdhury and Secretary General Professor Dr Abdullah Al Mamun. The welcome address was delivered by Department of Japanese Studies Chairman Professor Dr Jahangir Alam.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam stressed the need for deeper research into the evolving dimensions of Japan-Bangladesh relations — particularly around trade, development assistance, and investment. He noted that Japan continues to serve as one of Bangladesh's most important bilateral development partners. He also underscored the need to reassess Japan's role through a fresh lens, given sweeping shifts in global politics — including the rise of new regionalism, China's growing influence, and the ongoing US-China trade war.
He expressed hope that the conference would serve as a meaningful platform for young researchers and contribute to strengthening ties between Japan and Bangladesh. He also reaffirmed Dhaka University's commitment to academic excellence, scholarship, and democratic values.
In his keynote address, chief guest Rehan Asif Asad spoke of the deep historical bonds between Japan and Bangladesh, noting that Japan recognized Bangladesh shortly after independence in 1972 and has since remained one of its foremost development partners. Praising the Japanese people for their work ethic, discipline, and integrity, he urged students to draw inspiration from these qualities.
The two-day conference is drawing researchers from Japan, China, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and several other countries. A total of 14 research papers will be presented across 10 sessions throughout the event.
