DHAKA: The Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo observed the 43rd Independence & National Day in a befitting manner.

The programmes of the Day began with hoisting of National Flag by Ambassador Masud Bin Momen at the Embassy premises.

The Embassy officials observed one-minute of silence which was followed by reading out of messages sent from Bangladesh on the occasion of the Day.

The programme of the morning ended up with offering of special prayer for the salvation of departed souls of the Martyrs of our War of Independence.

At noon, the Embassy organized a reception at city`s prestigious Okura Hotel. The reception was attended by around 400 guests that included diplomats, politicians, academics, intelligentsia, businesspersons, and members of Bangladesh community living in Japan.

In Ambassador’s welcome speech, he paid deep homage to the sacrifices of our valiant freedom fighters & martyrs and recalled the contributions of our Japanese friends during our war of Liberation.

Ambassador also mentioned that since the recognition of Bangladesh by Japan, the friendly relations between the two countries on the foundation of the visit of Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1973 had grown from strength to strength. `Today,  Japan is the most important development partner of Bangladesh` Ambassador noted.

Seiji Kihara, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan was the guest of honor at the event.

In his statement, Mr Kihara mentioned that Japan and Bangladesh had been traditionally building an excellent relationship which got a momentum by the recent visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida to Bangladesh.

Japanese Vice Minister stressed the need for further cultivation of relationships between the two countries in economic field.

Ichiro Tsukada, Secretary General of Bangladesh-Japan Parliamentary League read out the message of Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister of Japan and the President of Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary League.

In the message Aso mentioned that Japan and Bangladesh had developed strong friendship as "true friends" or " brothers and sisters". The two countries were strongly bound together in a stable bond for mutual interest, trust, and cooperation, the Deputy Prime Minister of Japan noted. A documentary highlighting the significance of our Independence & National Day was shown during the event.

At 1400 hrs (1100 hrs Bangladesh time), the guests (about 100 bangladesh expatriates and a few Japanese friends) of the reception took part in singing our National Anthem together while holding our national flag in their hands. This was done in line with Government`s program of singing National Anthem together in Bangladesh at 1100 hrs Bangladesh time.

BDST: 1741 HRS, MAR 26, 2014