Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 2, 2026 (BSS) - The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 
today commemorated the tenth-year milestone since the Holey Artisan Bakery 
attack of July 1, 2016, honoring the memory of the seven Japanese nationals 
who lost their lives in the tragic incident, alongside all others who were 
affected.

A memorial ceremony was held on July 2, 2026, at the Metro Rail Exhibition 
and Information Center (MEIC) in Uttara, Dhaka. 

The ceremony brought together representatives from the Governments of Japan 
and Bangladesh, family members of the victims, development partners, and 
stakeholders to pay tribute to the victims and reaffirm a shared commitment 
to peace, resilience, and cooperation, said a press release.

The seven Japanese nationals were dedicated professionals whose contribution 
were instrumental in the early development of Bangladesh's metro rail system. 
Their efforts played an important role in laying the foundation for the Dhaka 
Metro Rail that continues to grow and serve millions of commuters and stands 
as a symbol of progress and partnership between Japan and Bangladesh.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, President 
of JICA, underscored the enduring spirit of cooperation that continues to 
guide JICA's work. "Bangladesh has gone through major political and social 
changes. However, 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," he said.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, President of JICA; YAMADA 
Tetsuya, Director General of the South Asia Department, JICA; and TAKAHASHI 
Junko, Chief Representative of the JICA Bangladesh Office. Distinguished 
guests included SHIMADA Tomoaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign 
Affairs of Japan; His Excellency SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to 
Bangladesh; and officials from the Government and Embassy of Japan.

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

From the Government of Bangladesh, senior officials including Dr. Mohammad 
Ziaul Hoque, Secretary, Road Transport and Highways Division, Ministry of 
Road Transport and Bridges; Mohd. Ahsan Kibria Siddiqui, Additional Secretary 
and Wing Chief of Japan branch at Economic Relations Division; and Md. 
Shaugatul Alam, Managing Director, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, 
attended the ceremony alongside other government representatives.

Marking a decade since the attack, JICA reaffirmed its continued commitment 
to supporting Bangladesh's development journey. The Dhaka Metro Rail remains 
a testament to the enduring partnership between the two countries and a 
reflection of their shared values of mutual respect, collaboration, and 
sustainable progress.

As the people of Japan and Bangladesh remember those who were lost, JICA 
reiterates its resolve to work towards a future defined by peace, safety, and 
inclusive development, ensuring that the legacy of the victims lives on 
through continued cooperation and shared achievements.