Jica pays tribute to Japanese consultants killed in 2016 Holey Artisan attack
The annual memorial ceremony took place at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre (MEIC) in the capital’s Uttara today (2 July)

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) paid homage to the seven Japanese consultants who were tragically killed in the Holey Artisan Bakery attack on 1 July 2016 in Dhaka's Gulshan.
The annual memorial ceremony took place at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre (MEIC) in the capital's Uttara today (2 July).
Speakers at the event said that these seven individuals played an instrumental role in laying the groundwork for the Dhaka Metro Rail project. Since its launch, the Metro Rail has become an essential part of daily life for the people of Dhaka.
Miyazaki Katsura, executive senior vice president of Jica, said, "I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to all of you who have worked with high aspirations and passion for the future of Bangladesh. I would also like to express my sincere condolences to all the victims of the incident. May you rest in peace."
She also pledged to honour and uphold their contributions and legacy and ensure the utmost safety of those engaged in the operations across Bangladesh.
Jica will continue to support global cooperation towards the development of developing countries, including Bangladesh, as well as promoting peace in the international community, Miyazaki added.
The memorial ceremony was jointly organised by the governments of Japan and Bangladesh, along with Japanese consulting firms including Almec Corporation, Oriental Consultants Global, and Katahira & Engineers International.
The ceremony was attended by Ishizuki Hideo, director-general/assistant minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; 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 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; Md Ehsanul Hoque, senior secretary at the Road Transport and Highways Division; Mohammad Hasan Arif, additional secretary at the Economic Relations Division; and Mohammed Ziaul Haque, additional secretary at the Road Transport and Highways Division. They conveyed special messages in memory of the victims.