We are very happy that the friendship between Japan & Bangladesh is passing its 41 consecutive years in various arenas like business & commerce, technological share, educational exchange, aid in different development sector. Since our friendship started we crossed several milestones with clear indication of success.

We are really very sorry which occurred during the last devastating Tsunami. As a developed nation with its hard working & dedicated citizens who sacrificed their valuable time, energy & even life to build up the country. And Japan is still fighting to recover its natural balance after that quake.

It was a sudden thrust on the wave of the ?Nation of Rising Sun?. Death of 12,431 while missing of 15,153 where more than 163,000 people were in shelters around the country following evacuation. A total of 164,059 households in the north without electricity on that time never sounds good to us. We always feel sorry for those 170,000 households in eight prefectures were without running water.

The astonishing matter is that Japan did not stop its foreign aid to Bangladesh though it was in great economic loss. At least 46,027 buildings have been destroyed, washed away or burnt down. Estimated damage from the earthquake and tsunami was 16-25 trillion yen which would make it the world's costliest natural disaster. Damage to roads, homes, factories and other infrastructure are covered but excluded lost economic activity from power outages and costs arising from damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant, as well as the impact of swings in financial markets and business sentiment.

We cried when looked at Television screen that some 10-metres high, it surged into cities and villages. And as the killer tsunami slammed into Japan?s northeast coast, it swept away everything in its path. Boats, cars and homes were tossed around like toys in the water. Trains were missed. Triggered by the fifth most powerful earthquake to hit the world in the last century, the tsunami left a trail of destruction. The port city of Sendai, including its airport, felt the full fury of the muddy wall of water. Reaching higher ground or the nearest roof was literally a matter of life or death. Even in a nation accustomed to tremors, the devastation wrought by Friday?s 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami was massive. We deeply mourn on remembrance of this unwanted disaster.

Our great ally, Japan is still struggling to contain a growing nuclear crisis caused by the huge earthquake and tsunami. As a real cordial friend we do hope & pray to god that our heartiest friend will go a long path with proper restoration its initial state before tsunami. Bangladeshi people will never forget you. Success & peace be upon whole single point land of Japan & on the life of every Japanese buddy.

With Deepest Gratitude & Love

On behalf Bangladesh

MD. AMINUL ISLAM

Regional Ambassador