President M Abdul Hamid on Thursday reiterated Bangladesh’s “zero tolerance policy” against acts of terrorism and militancy as outgoing Japanese Ambassador Masato Watanabe called on him at Bangabhaban here.
“Bangladesh always shows zero-tolerance policy against militancy and terrorism,” President’s Press Secretary M Joynal Abedin quoted him as telling the envoy.
Referring to terror attack at Gulshan Holey Artisan Bakery where some Japanese nationals were killed, the President shared the profound grief at the loss of lives there.
President Hamid expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan saying, “Since the great Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971, Japan is a tested friend of Bangladesh and also an important development partner.”
He congratulated the Japanese ambassador on completion of his successful tenure in Bangladesh and recalled with gratitude the contribution of Japan to Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and recognizing Independent Bangladesh on February 10, 1972.
“The bilateral relation between Bangladesh and Japan is being enhanced
day by day,” the President observed seeking for more Japanese investments in Bangladesh in different sectors.
Abdul Hamid lauded different development projects of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that is playing a very positive role to accelerate country’s socio-economic progress.
He expressed his contentment over the existing excellent bilateral relations with Japan and expected it to be boosted further in near future.
The ambassador expressed his gratitude to the President for extending all cooperation in discharging his duty here and also expressed satisfaction over the law and order and other security arrangements in Bangladesh.
Watanabe also thanked the government for arranging the 136th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference successfully and assured of providing continued supports to Bangladesh in days ahead.
He also expressed his sympathy over the losses and damages in recent flood at some parts of Bangladesh.
Secretaries concerned to the President were present during the call on.
