Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan on Thursday with due fervor. 

The Embassy organized a reception in a local reputed hotel- the New Otani. The venue has a historical connection to the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan. 

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman  stayed at this hotel during the historical and first official visit to Japan in 1973. 

Bangabandhu had chosen Japan as one of the first few countries to visit after independence. 
That historic visit laid the foundation of the unwavering friendship between the two countries and its peoples till today, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo. 

Read: Smart Grid: Power Cell to get $1.5mn assistance from US

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Japan in 1997, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019 and successfully elevated the relations to a ‘comprehensive partnership’ level encompassing mutual cooperation at bilateral, regional and global level.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed welcomed the guests to the reception where Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Honda Taro was the chief guest. 

Ambassador Ahmed expressed gratefulness to Japan and its people for their recognition of newly independent country Bangladesh on 10 February 1972. 

He said from 1972 to 2022, it has been a journey of moving together in an unwavering show of friendship and solidarity, mutual trust and understanding. 

The Ambassador recalled that following the experience of Japan, Bangabandhu wanted to turn Bangladesh into a major social and economic force. 

The congratulatory video messages from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan were screened followed by video message of Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. A K Abdul Momen and message from the President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League, Taro Aso. 

An exhibition of diplomatic archive documents and photographs showcasing the past and present of the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan, unveiling of design of commemorative stamps by Japan Post, presentation of commemorative coin by Japan Mint enriched the content of the momentous occasion. 

The event ended by the viewing of video titled “Welcome Bangabandhu” on the historic visit of the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan on 18-24 October 1973.

A celebratory cake was cut and served to the guests.