United News of Bangladesh

The 6th Bangladesh-Japan public-private joint economic dialogue was held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Tokyo, in a hybrid format. The Bangladesh delegation, comprising senior government officials and private sector representatives, led by M Siraz Uddin Miah, principal secretary to the Chief Advisor and the Japanese delegation, headed by Matsuo Takehiko, vice minister for international affairs, METI were present there. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Md Daud Ali and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi also attended the event, said a press release issued today. The dialogue provided a platform for continued open and constructive engagement between stakeholders from both countries. Discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation, with particular attention to connectivity, the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), logistics, energy transition, agriculture, and the simplification of tax and customs procedures. Bangladesh highlighted its investment potential and ongoing reform initiatives aimed at fostering a more business-friendly environment. The Japanese side was updated on the progress made in response to earlier feedback from Japanese investors. The Japanese delegation conveyed their private sector’s strong satisfaction with Bangladesh’s improving business climate, noting that the number of Japanese companies in the country has tripled over the past decade. This reflects increased investor confidence and strong interest in business expansion. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic ties and expressed hope for concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of 2025. Bangladesh reiterated its full support to facilitate Japanese investment and emphasized its willingness to work closely with Japanese stakeholders. The Japanese side welcomed the ongoing reforms and expressed optimism that the current momentum would continue. Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah assured that the Government of Bangladesh will continue working to address the key challenges, as raised in the discussion. He highlighted reform and automation efforts to ensure a more investor-friendly environment and underscored the importance of concluding the EPA before Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Vice Minister Matsuo Takehiko of METI referred to a survey that more than 60% of the Japanese companies are considering to expand their business in Bangladesh. He said that the Japanese government is ready to facilitate enhancing Japanese investment in Bangladesh through public private partnership. The dialogue was attended by senior officials from both governments and prominent business leaders. From Bangladesh, participants included representatives from the chief advisor’s Office, National Board of Revenue, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Bank and FBCCI. From the Japanese side, participants included among others the Chairman of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Co-operation of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries, as well as heads of the JICA and JETRO offices in Bangladesh, and representatives from the Japanese private sector.  

Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko has underscored the need for early conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan in order to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The issues were discussed when Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Akiko met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Appreciating Bangladesh’s positive investment climate, Akiko mentioned that the Japanese investment and businesses are continuing their operations in Bangladesh despite recent political changes. The Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lauding Japan’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas including their relocation to Bhashan Char, the Foreign Adviser sought Japanese support to draw a roadmap for early repatriation of the Rohingyas. He also sought Japanese support for hosting a high-level conference on the Rohingya issue in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations. During the meeting, the Japanese Vice-Minister reiterated Japan’s support for the interim government and its ongoing reform and nation-building initiatives. The Foreign Adviser thanked Japan for its immense contribution to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development initiatives since independence. The Japanese Vice-Minister conveyed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh during the post-LDC graduation period. She noted that more than 310 Japanese companies are currently doing business in Bangladesh and the number will go higher.

Tree-cutting began Monday in the Jingu Gaien park district of central Tokyo, a flashpoint for more than a year between environmentalists and real estate interests. Developers led by real-estate company Mitsui Fudosan have a 10-year, multi-billion-dollar plan to build three skyscrapers on the coveted land and to raze a historical baseball stadium, replacing it with a new stadium. A small group of protesters gathered Monday. They object to the destruction of trees in a city that lacks green space and is seeing many parks handed over to commercial interests. The plan is backed by Tokyo Gov. Yuiko Koike, who once was Japan’s environmental minister.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Homecoming Day was observed in Tokyo with due fervor and solemnity. On this occasion, a discussion meeting was organized at the embassy this morning. Officials of the embassy, led by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed, laid floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation     A minute's silence was observed in the memory of Bangabandhu and the martyrs of August 15, 1975. Later, a special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of the souls of the Father of the Nation and the martyred members of his family, as well as for the welfare of the country and the nation. Then the messages given by the President and the Prime Minister on Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day were read out. Brazil congratulates PM Hasina, willing to continue deepening ties with Bangladesh During the discussion, Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmad humbly recalled the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the history of the nation's struggle for freedom. He said that Bangladesh was born through the long movement and Liberation War led by the Father of the Nation. The ambassador said that although victory was achieved on December 16, 1971, it was completed only after the return of the Father of the Nation on January 10, 1972. Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day observed in Brunei He called upon all to work towards the implementation of Vision 2041, announced by the Prime Minister, to take the country forward on the path of progress and prosperity by completing the unfinished work of Bangabandhu. A documentary on Bangabandhu's homecoming was screened after the discussion.

The launch of Biman's Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight will enhance trade and relations between the two countries, Badal Chaklader, president of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (BCCIJ), has said. He said this while speaking at a reception programme organised by BCCIJ in Japan's Tokyo on Sunday (September 03, 2023) night. He also thanked the Bangladesh government and Biman Bangladesh Airlines for launching the direct flight. Read: After Narita (Tokyo), Biman eyeing flights to New York, Chennai, Los Angeles, Rome "We expect that the direct flights would not be discontinued like in the past. We want more Japanese investment in Bangladesh," the BCCIJ president said. “For boosting trade with Japan, initiatives should be taken to operate daily flights in phases. The quality of services offered by the airline should also be enhanced so that domestic and foreign passengers show more interest,” the BCCIJ president added. Business leaders said that Japanese investors were often not interested in going to Bangladesh due to lack of direct flights. It also took a long time for Bangladeshis to travel to and from Japan. Relations and trade between the two countries will reach a new height due to the direct Biman flights, they hoped. They also urged Biman authorities to transport dead bodies of Bangladeshi expatriates to the country free of cost. Business leaders also demanded harassment-free services at Dhaka airport. Read: Dhaka-Narita Tokyo direct flights launched  State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Md Mahbub Ali, said, “We have 50 years of relationship with Japan. This relationship will grow even more due to the direct flights to Japan. Biman resumed flights to Tokyo, Japan after 17 years and it will facilitate passengers as well as cargo transportation.”  “Besides, more Japanese businessmen will now come to Bangladesh and invest here as our country has great potential,” he added.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is working to expand its international routes to enhance air connectivity for Bangladeshi passengers, Managing Director and CEO of the national flag carrier, Shafiul Azim, has said. “We have taken initiatives to operate flights on some important routes across the globe including to New York, Chennai, Bengaluru, Los Angeles, Rome, Male, and Guangzhou.” The Biman CEO shared the information during an exclusive interview with UNB “Gradually we will be able to start flights on these routes. We are evaluating and working on how to start flights on each of these routes within the shortest possible time,” he added. Biman currently operates regular flights to 19 destinations around the world. “We have a fleet of 21 aircraft including Dreamliners. Ten new aircraft are being purchased from Airbus,” he added. New aircraft from Airbus will facilitate the expansion of routes and will open up new directions in coordination with other countries, the Biman CEO hoped. Read: Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air forge strategic partnership for enhanced travel connectivity With the addition of the new aircraft, the number of flights on popular routes can also be increased, which would in turn create a more competitive market and help in reducing ticket prices. The Biman CEO said, “We are working on expanding our network not only in Asia but also in western countries, especially in Europe.” Besides, Biman has already done everything to launch direct flights from Dhaka to New York, he said. He further said some formal work is going on with Civil Aviation, Federal Aviation Authority and their Department of Transport. If everything goes well, all activities regarding flight operations on the new routes, including New York, are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. He said that Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Gulf Air have recently started a partnership – set to revolutionise travel between Bangladesh and the Gulf region. As a result, passengers can travel from Dhaka to Bahrain and Bahrain to Dhaka with onward connection to Chattogram and Sylhet via both airlines (Biman and Gulf Air). Read: Biman Bangladesh Airlines launches online travel date change service In addition, it will benefit both airlines through enhanced operational efficiency and shared expertise in the aviation industry, he added. “We are starting flights to Narita (Tokyo), Japan from September 1. Chennai is also being considered as a destination. Apart from this, we are going to resume flights to Guangzhou in China by the middle of September. Besides, we are trying to establish communication and code sharing with other countries through Narita in Japan,” the Biman CEO said. Regarding the launch of flights to Japan, he said that Bangladesh has very good bilateral relations with Japan, and they have investments here. “We are launching a direct Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) flight from September 1, 2023 and it is a major achievement for us,” the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said, adding, “Bangladeshi students are going to study in Japan and Japanese businessmen are coming here. Besides, many people travel to Japan from neighbouring countries. We have a good air network with the West compared to the East. Through Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights, a new horizon will open,” CEO Azim added. Besides, Biman will take initiative for improvement of the Bangladesh-Japan tourism sector. Read more: 2 flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Friday cancelled At the same time, “we are moving forward with marketing strategies so that passengers from neighbouring countries can travel to and from Japan via Dhaka,” the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is launching its Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight from September 1, 2023, Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of the national flag carrier, told UNB. The Biman CEO said that the inaugural flight will take off from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on September 1 at 11:45 pm local time and reach Narita International Airport in Japan on September 2 at 9:15 am local time. The flight, BG-377, from Narita International Airport to Dhaka will take off on September 2. Read: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts Azim said Biman flights from Dhaka to Narita will depart every Friday, Monday and Wednesday at 11:45 pm and from Narita to Dhaka, every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.   Biman Bangladesh Airlines started selling tickets for the Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from July 25. The minimum one-way fare on the route is Tk 70,828 and return ticket price is Tk 1,11,656 per passenger. Read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO Biman offered a discount on the occasion of the inauguration of direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita route. The special discount was on till August 15. At the time, the minimum one-way fare on Dhaka-Narita route was Tk 49,100 and return tickets were Tk 84,496 per passenger. Most of the opening flight tickets have already been sold. According to Biman, the number of Bangladeshis living in Japan is not significant. Japanese nationals engaged in various development projects in Bangladesh are primarily expected to be passengers on the route. Read: Market mismanagement behind the rise of egg price The Biman CEO said, “Very soon we are going to start a 24-hour call centre following the international system. Passengers will be able to get all the updated information on flights round the clock.” As part of the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ goal, automated baggage system will be introduced soon, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said. “Not even 1 kg of extra baggage will be allowed. The automated baggage system will be functional from September 1.”

A statue has been standing — in remembrance to his loyalty towards his owner — outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo since 1948. The cream white Japanese Akita Inu — popularly known as “Hachiko” — has been memorialized in everything from books to movies to the cult science fiction for his loyalty. All these movies, books tell the true story of Hachiko, the faithful dog who continued to wait for his master at a train station in Japan long after his death. Hachiko was born in November 1923 in the city of Odate in Akita prefecture, the original home of Akitas. Read more: Benefits of Pets for Kids: Why Raising Children around Livestock? The Akita is one of Japan's oldest and most well-known breeds. For its calm, sincere, intelligent, and brave personality, they used to be taught to hunt animals like wild boar and elk. The breed was designated as a national icon in 1931 by the Japanese government, according to the BBC. The famed puppy arrived at the Ueno residence in the Shibuya neighborhood on January 15, 1924. Ueno named him Hachi, or eight in Japanese. Ko is an honorific bestowed by Ueno's students, according to the BBC. Read more: 10 houseplants that are bad for your pets Hachi’s owner took a train to work several times a week. He was accompanied to Shibuya station by his three dogs, including Hachiko. The trio would then wait there for his return in the evening. When Ueno died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 53 on May 21, 1925, Hachiko had been with him for just 16 months. "While people were attending the wake, Hachi smelled Dr Ueno from the house and went inside the living room. He crawled under the coffin and refused to move," Prof Mayumi Itoh wrote in a biography about Hachi. Hachiko spent the next few months with different families outside Shibuya but eventually, in the summer of 1925, he ended up with Ueno's gardener Kobayashi Kikusaburo, according to BBC. Read more: First all-female police dog handler team introduced today After returning to the area where his late master Ueno lived, Hachiko soon resumed his daily commute to the station, rain or shine. According to Hachiko’s biographer, Hachi used to stand on four legs at the ticket gate and look at each passenger “as if he were looking for someone." He gained nationwide fame after Japanese daily Tokyo Asahi Shimbun wrote about him in October 1932. The station started receiving donations from across the country. Later, a fundraising event in 1934 to make a statue of him reportedly drew a crowd of 3,000. Read more: Gulistan blast: RAB dog gets award for heroic role Hachiko's eventual death on March 8, 1935 made the front page of many newspapers. At his funeral, Buddhist monks offered prayers for him and dignitaries read eulogies. Thousands visited his statue in the following days. Every year on April 8, a memorial service for Hachiko is held outside Shibuya Station. His statue is often decorated with scarves, Santa hats and, most recently, a surgical mask.

Author Haruki Murakami says he's strongly opposed to the redevelopment of a historic and beloved Tokyo park district that would remove his favorite jogging path and tear down the nearly century-old baseball stadium where he was inspired to become a novelist. The plan approved earlier this year by Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike to put skyscrapers and new stadiums in the heart of the Jingu Gaien green district has become increasingly controversial. Followers of baseball and rugby history are opposed to it, as well as conservationists and civil groups who say the project has advanced without transparency, adequate environmental assessment or explanation to the residents. Runway closed at Tokyo's Haneda airport after 2 planes bump into each other The ball park and a neighboring rugby stadium used for soccer during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics would be demolished under the plan, and hundreds of trees would be removed from what's been a Tokyo park district for centuries. When finished, the new stadiums will be surrounded by nearly 200-meter (650-foot) tall office buildings in a commercial complex. "I'm strongly opposed to the Jingu Gaien redevelopment plan," Murakami said on his Sunday radio show. "Please leave that pleasant jogging course full of greenery and the lovely Jingu Stadium as it is. Once something is destroyed, it can never be restored." Murakami used to sit beyond the outfield fence, stretching out with a beer to watch the game on a grassy slope. He remembers the moment he decided to become a novelist: In the early afternoon on April 1, 1978, when then-perennial underdog Yakult Swallows' unknown American Dave Hilton slammed a clean double into left field and "the satisfying crack when the bat met the ball resounded throughout Jingu Stadium," he wrote in his 2007 memoir, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running." Dhaka, Tokyo welcome negotiations on transferring defense equipment and tech On his way home, he bought a fountain pen and started writing. His first novel, "Hear the Wind Sing," was finished about six months later. Murakami said Gaien's circular jogging course, which is just over 1-kilometer (1,093-yard) long and has a mark at every 100 meters (yards), is his favorite running area. During the radio show, he described "my secret, nice memory" of regularly passing another runner in the opposite direction, never speaking. Earlier in the weekend, hundreds of people gathered outside the designated redevelopment area in Tokyo for a protest. Novelist Haruki Murakami to open archive at Japanese university The Jingu Gaien dispute comes about two years after the Tokyo Olympics, which involved several newly constructed stadiums and have since been sullied by bribery scandals. Koike said the metropolitan government has appropriately handled the environmental assessment and has urged the companies involved to share information with the public on the redevelopment. The project will take 13 years to complete, but minor construction has begun. The first court hearing on a lawsuit to suspend the work will be held later this week.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said he would prefer to refrain from commenting on Bangladesh’s upcoming election, calling it “an internal affair”.   “I would refrain from making any comments on this. It is an internal affair of Bangladesh,” he said when a journalist wanted to know Japan’s position on the subject after bilateral relationship was elevated to “strategic partnership” during PM Hasina’s recent official visit. Also Read: US calls upcoming national election an 'internal' affair of Bangladesh The ambassador was briefing media at the Japanese Embassy on Wednesday on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. Iwama Kiminori made the remark when during the briefing, a journalist referred to the previous Japanese ambassador’s comment in November last year. At the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan and had a summit meeting on April 26. Read More: Bangladesh, Japan focusing on ‘comprehensive and targeted-oriented’ partnership: Ambassador