Japanese Emperor Naruhito extended his greetings and congratulations to the Government and people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the  50th anniversary of Independence Day and Japan-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. The Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh ITO NAOKI  on Tueaday handed over the congratulatory message of the Emperor of Japan to President  Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban this evening.  In his congratulatory message, Emperor Naruhito wished for the development and progress of Bangladesh. During the meeting, the President said that the foundation of relations between the two countries, which was laid through the visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan after independence, is now extended to various sectors including trade and investment. READ: ACC annual reports handed to president Mentioning Japan as an important development partner of Bangladesh, the President highlighted Japan's contribution to the reconstruction of post-independence Bangladesh and the role of JICA, a Japanese development agency, in various sectors including Bangladesh's infrastructure. President Hamid said Japanese investment in various sectors of Bangladesh is contributing immensely to the socio-economic development of the country.  Hamid hoped that the relations between the two countries will be further expanded in the future as well. During the meeting, the Japanese Ambassador said that Japan's co-operation in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh would continue in the future as well. Secretary to the President's Office Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Press Secretary Joynal Abedin and  Secretary Wahidul Islam Khan were present on the occasion.