Dhaka, July 2 (V7N) — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held its annual memorial ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, honoring seven Japanese consultants who lost their lives in the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016. The solemn event took place at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Center (MEIC) in Uttara, Dhaka.

These consultants played a crucial role in establishing the Dhaka Metro Rail project, a landmark development that has since become an essential part of daily life for the capital’s residents. Their dedication and contributions to Bangladesh’s infrastructure continue to be a lasting legacy for both JICA and the nation.

At the ceremony, MIYAZAKI Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of JICA, expressed profound respect and gratitude to all those who have worked passionately towards Bangladesh’s future. She offered sincere condolences to the victims of the attack, stating, “May you rest in peace.” She also pledged to honor the memory and legacy of the deceased consultants and to uphold the highest safety standards for all personnel involved in ongoing projects throughout Bangladesh.

JICA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international cooperation aimed at the development of countries like Bangladesh, while promoting peace within the global community.

The memorial was jointly organized by the governments of Japan and Bangladesh, alongside Japanese consulting firms ALMEC Corporation, Oriental Consultants Global, and Katahira & Engineers International.

Distinguished attendees included His Excellency ISHIZUKI Hideo, Director-General and Assistant Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; MASUJIMA Tetsuji, Managing Director of ALMEC Corporation; Faruque Ahmed, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited; Mohammed Nore-Alam, Director General of the East Asia and Pacific Wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Md. Ehsanul Hoque, Senior Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division; Mohammad Hasan Arif, Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division; and Dr. Mohammed Ziaul Haque, Additional Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division. Several of these officials delivered special messages commemorating the victims.

The ceremony stood as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these professionals and reinforced the ongoing commitment to safety, progress, and prosperity in Bangladesh.

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