Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has laid emphasis on engaging the younger generation in promoting cultural bondage through Ikebana, a traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. “I hope Ikebana will be loved by young people in Bangladesh,” he said on Friday while speaking at a function organized by Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA). The ambassador said there is a strong interest among the young students in Bangladesh about Japan, its language and culture. Also read: Japan honours businessman Abdul Haque with Order of the Rising Sun He urged the BIA to continue playing its role to further promote the friendship through better understanding of Japanese culture.

Japan’s ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki on Tuesday said the inauguration of mega project Padma Bridge and other under-construction quality infrastructure projects will help boost foreign investors’ confidence in Bangladesh. “Padma Bridge is going to be opened on June 25. This is really a wonderful moment for the country," he said highlighting the growing presence of quality infrastructure in Bangladesh. Ambassador Naoki said clearly those who are looking at Bangladesh and its economy will have strong confidence in the improvement of quality infrastructure across the nation – in Dhaka, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. This gives confidence in the minds of investors and in three to five years’ time from now, infrastructure development can be an advantage in attracting foreign investment in Bangladesh. The ambassador was speaking at "DCAB Talk" at Jatiya Press Club organized by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB). DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the programme while its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin delivered welcome remarks. Ambassador Naoki said the direct flight operations between Dhaka and Narita will soon be resumed which will give a sense of confidence among investors. He said Covid-19 pandemic delayed the overall preparations. Naoki said there is growing interest among the Japanese investors to come and invest in Bangladesh. “There’s no doubt that Bangladesh is going to be the fastest growing economy in Asia in this decade.” The ambassador highlighted the key factors, including growing quality infrastructure and stable environment. He said the Dhaka Metro rail will begin its commercial operation by December this year and Bangladesh is becoming a very important destination for investment. Also read: Padma Bridge: Khulna residents eagerly anticipating inauguration