Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Mar 30, 2026 (BSS)- A two-day international conference titled Young Scholars Conference 2026 on Japan’s Soft Diplomacy in South Asia: Change and Continuity” began today at Dhaka University (DU).

The conference is being held under the auspices of the Department of Japanese Studies of Dhaka University and the Japanese Studies Association in South Asia with financial support from the Japan Foundation. 

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam presided over the opening session at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban while adviser to the Prime Minister Rehan Asif Asad was present as the chief guest. 

Managing Director of Japan Foundation Wakao Koike and Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka Takahashi Naoki were present as special guests. 

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr. Taiabur Rahman and Director General of Japan Foundation in New Delhi Koji Sato attended as guests of honour.

In his address, the vice-chancellor stressed the need for in-depth research on evolving Bangladesh-Japan relations particularly in trade, development assistance and investment. 

He pointed out Japan’s significant role as a key development partner of Bangladesh. He also highlighted the importance of analysing Japan in the context of changing global politics, including emerging regionalism, China’s growing influence, and the US-China trade war.

The chief guest said Bangladesh-Japan relations are historic and deep-rooted, noting that Japan recognised Bangladesh in 1972 and has since remained as a major development partner.

Forty scholars from Bangladesh, Japan, China, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka are participating in the conference and 14 research papers will be presented in 10 sessions during the conference.