Staff Reporter : Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has organized an annual memorial ceremony to pay tribute to the seven Japanese consultants who tragically lost their lives during the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016. The ceremony was held on July 2, 2025, at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Center (MEIC), located in the capital’s Uttara area.
These seven individuals played an instrumental role in laying the groundwork for the Dhaka Metro Rail project.
Their dedication and contribution to Bangladesh’s development will never be forgotten and will be upheld as a legacy for the company. Since its launch, the Dhaka Metro Rail has become an essential part of the lives of the citizens of Dhaka. During the ceremony, MIYAZAKI Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President, JICA, said, “I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to all of you who have worked with high aspirations and passion for the future of Bangladesh. I would also like to express my sincere condolences to all the victims of the incident. May you rest in peace.”
She also pledged to honor and uphold their contributions and legacy and ensure the utmost safety of those engaged in the operations across Bangladesh. JICA will continue to support global cooperation towards the development of developing countries, including Bangladesh, as well as promoting peace in the international community.
The memorial ceremony was organized in partnership among the Government of Japan, the Government of Bangladesh, and Japanese Consultants such as ALMEC Corporation, Oriental Consultants Global, and Katahira & Engineers International.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency ISHIZUKI Hideo, Director-General/Assistant Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; MASUJIMA Tetsuji, Managing Director, ALMEC CORPORATION; Faruque Ahmed, Managing Director, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited; Mohammed Nore-Alam, Director General, East Asia and Pacific Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Md. Ehsanul Hoque, Senior Secretary, Road Transport and Highways Division, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges; Mohammad Hasan Arif, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance Dr. Mohammed Ziaul Haque, Additional Secretary, Road Transport and Highways Division, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges; conveyed some special messages in memory of the victims.