Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said Japan is an old and trusted friend of Bangladesh that has stood beside the country during difficult times. She made the remarks as chief guest at the Japan-Bangladesh Business Women Conference at Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka, at 6pm on July 26. She said the two countries were working toward mutual prosperity.

Khanam said Japan has made important contributions to Bangladesh’s infrastructure development and technological progress. She also cited former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in women’s empowerment, describing the provision of free secondary education for women as a landmark example that expanded female education and empowerment.

The minister said current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following Khaleda Zia, had made education free for women through degree level. The conference discussed trade, investment, women entrepreneur development and expanded mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan. Japan’s ambassador to Bangladesh, the chief representative of JETRO, leaders of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, businesspeople and women entrepreneurs attended.