Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organised an annual memorial ceremony at Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Center (MEIC) at Uttara Yesterday (July 3) to pay condolences to the seven Japanese consultants who died during the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016.

The seven lost Japanese had significantly contributed to the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project.

Dr. Yamada Junichi, Executive Senior Vice President of JICA, said seven years have passed since the tragic incident and 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," Junichi said.

During the speech, he also shared that JICA has been taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of those engaged in the operations.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Yamada Junichi, Executive Senior Vice President of JICA; Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh; Yonezawa Eiji, CEO, President, Oriental Consultants Global Company Limited; Md. Najmul Huda, Director General (South East Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; M.A.N. Siddique, Managing Director, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited; Neelima Akhter, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Government of Bangladesh; and Sharifa Khan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh.
 
BDST: 2027 HRS, JULY 04, 2023
MSK