Atsuko Tanaka, daughter of Japanese citizen Hiroshi Tanaka who was killed in the Dhaka Holey Artisan Bakery attack in 2016 , has sent an ‘Ikebana’ (flowers) gift to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressing her deep love and gratitude.

PM Hasina received this gift along with a letter at Ganabhaban on Thursday.  PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah handed over the gift to her.

This Ikebana gift (Ikebana is the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers) was crafted by her mother who is a professional artist, said Atsuko Tanaka in her letter.

Noting that she came to Dhaka to attend the memorial ceremony at DMTCL held on July 3 last, Atsuko Tanaka said, “The conversation we had in Tokyo in 2019 and the letter you kindly sent me have been a great source of healing for my heart.”

“I am deeply grateful and would like to present you with this gift as a token of my appreciation. Amid the demands of your distinguished role, I hope this flower brings you a moment of soothing and relaxation,” she added.

The Japanese daughter visited the sculpture of police officers in Gulshan to offer folded paper cranes on July 1.

Citing that enclosed is one of their counterparts, symbolizing peace in Hiroshima which is renowned for peace education, she said as a person who sincerely wishes for lasting peace and the prosperous development of Bangladesh, she has become interested in Bangladesh’s peace education.

At the JICA Bangladesh office, they held a meeting with a specialist who explained how peace education is integrated into the curriculum. To promote active learning as per the Curriculum, Ichiguchi suggested hosting a peace essay contest.

She said the award-winning essays will be displayed at Dhaka Metro. This initiative will not only encourage students to reflect on peace-related competencies but also serve as advocacy for society.

“The peace essays blooming at Dhaka Metro will bring comfort to the souls of those who have sadly passed away, such as our fathers,” said Atsuko Tanaka.

She extended her heartfelt congratulations to Sheikh Hasina on her successful re-election this year. “This achievement is a testament to your leadership and the confidence that the people have placed in your Vision for Bangladesh's future,” she said.

Tanaka wished Hasina continued success in all her endeavors.

Some 22 people including 18 foreign nationals were killed in the terrorist attack on Holey Artisan in Gulshan on July 1, 2016. The foreign nationals include nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian and one Bangladesh-US national.

Among the seven Japanese nationals, six persons were consultants of Dhaka Metro-rail project.