A grief never healed: JICA recalls Japanese officials killed in Holey Artisan attack

In a solemn ceremony today (3 July), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) paid tribute to seven Japanese consultants who tragically lost their lives during the Holey Artisan attack on 1 July 2016. 

The annual memorial took place at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Center in Uttara, Dhaka.

Participants honoured the memory of the seven consultants who had been working on feasibility studies for the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project, specifically MRT-1 and MRT-5. 

In his address, JICA's senior Vice President HARA Shohei expressed deep sorrow and regret over the tragic loss, emphasising JICA's commitment to remembering their contributions and ensuring the safety of all project personnel.

He said, "Eight years have passed since the tragic incident, and I am filled with the deepest sadness and regret over the loss of those who dedicated their invaluable time and efforts to the development of Bangladesh. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who suddenly lost their loved ones. It is truly heartbreaking to reflect on their grief that can never be fully healed even after all these years."

The governments of Japan and Bangladesh, along with Japanese consulting firms such as Almec Corporation, Oriental Consultants Global, Katahira, and Engineers International jointly organised the event.

The Holey Artisan attack resulted in the deaths of 22 people, including 17 foreigners and two policemen, leaving  50 others seriously injured. This ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the enduring impact of their work on Bangladesh's development