United News of Bangladesh

Veteran Bangladeshi journalist Monzurul Huq has received Japan’s prestigious Foreign Minister’s Commendation, becoming the first foreign correspondent based in the country to earn the honour. The award ceremony took place on September 5 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official guest house in Tokyo, with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi in the chair. Huq, accompanied by his spouse, later exchanged views with the minister, who praised his decades-long efforts in fostering understanding of Japan in Bangladesh and encouraged him to continue despite health challenges. Huq, widely known among readers of Prothom Alo, Dhaka Courier and UNB, has reported extensively on Japan for over three decades as Tokyo Bureau Chief of Prothom Alo, correspondent for UNB and regular contributor to Dhaka Courier. He has also contributed to Bangladeshi literary and cultural publications, including Kali-o-Kolom, and in recent years published a periodic column in a leading Japanese national daily. This year, 173 individuals and 58 groups worldwide received the commendation, including 18 individuals and seven groups residing in Japan, while 155 individuals and 51 groups were recognised overseas. The annual honour acknowledges individuals, organisations and retired foreign ministry officials who promote mutual understanding and strengthen Japan’s ties with other nations. Alongside the certificate, recipients received a symbolic gift: a traditional wrapping cloth inspired by Muromachi period (1336–1573) designs, once used to carry valuables and now treasured for its durability and artistry.

The Japan-Bangladesh Society (JBS) is an organisation of leading Japanese who are closely associated with Bangladesh. Formed in 2014, this relatively new organisation is already making significant contribution in cementing further the friendly ties between Japan and Bangladesh and is also serving as a window to allow Japanese people to know about the country better. Former Japanese ambassadors who served in Bangladesh, leading Japanese academics involved in research about various aspects of Bangladesh, leading business houses in Japan and business community leaders with commercial interest in the country, as well as NGO representatives, media related people and students who are studying Bangla or subjects related to Bangladesh are members of this group. The society is already enjoying high reputation in Japanese community.