DHAKA, July 2, (V7N) – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, honoring the memory of the seven Japanese nationals killed in the July 1, 2016 tragedy, alongside all others affected.

A memorial ceremony was held at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Center (MEIC) in Uttara, Dhaka, bringing together representatives from the Governments of Japan and Bangladesh, family members of the victims, development partners, and stakeholders.

The seven Japanese victims were engineers and consultants whose contributions were instrumental in the early development of the Dhaka Metro Rail. Their work laid the foundation for a system that now serves millions of commuters and stands as a symbol of progress and partnership between Japan and Bangladesh.

Reflecting on the occasion, JICA President Dr. TANAKA Akihiko said: “The wish shared by those we have lost—that more people may live better and more fulfilling lives—remains alive in this country. We will carry their wishes forward, along with our strong commitment to safety, and continue our work in international cooperation.”

The ceremony was attended by senior JICA officials, including YAMADA Tetsuya and TAKAHASHI Junko, as well as Japanese dignitaries such as SHIMADA Tomoaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi. From Bangladesh, senior officials including Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Hoque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, and Md. Shaugatul Alam, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, joined the event.

Representatives from partner organizations involved in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development—including Katahira & Engineers International, Oriental Consultants Global, Tokyu Construction, TOA Corporation, Tekken Corporation, Nippon Signal Co. Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Nippon Koei, Marubeni Corporation, and Mitsubishi Corporation—were also present.

Marking a decade since the attack, JICA reaffirmed its commitment to Bangladesh’s development journey. The Dhaka Metro Rail remains a testament to the enduring partnership between the two countries and their shared values of peace, resilience, and sustainable progress.

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