2024-07-05 23:28:08
Atsuko Tanaka, daughter of Japanese citizen Hiroshi Tanaka, who was killed in the terrorist attack at Holy Artisan, sent an ‘Ikebana’ gift to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing her love and gratitude.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the gift at Ganabhaban on Thursday (July 4). Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister. Tofazzal Hossain Mia delivered this gift and a letter from Atsuko Tanaka to the Prime Minister.
‘Ikebana’ is the aesthetic and artistic presentation of flowers, leaves, branches. Along with the beauty, there is a philosophical thought hidden behind the Japanese art.
In a letter written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing deep gratitude, Atsuko Tanaka said that this gift (ikebana) was made by her mother herself. It is a symbol of his gratitude and love for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also hoped that the gift of flowers would bring peace to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On July 1, 2016, 22 people, including 18 foreigners, were killed in a terrorist attack at the Holy Artisan restaurant in Gulshan in the capital. Among the dead, 9 are from Italy, 7 from Japan, 1 from India and 3 from Bangladesh. One in three Bangladeshis had dual citizenship. Two police officers were also killed in the firing of militants that day. Later, 5 militants were killed in a commando operation to rescue the hostages at Holy Artizan.
Six of the dead Japanese were consultants for the Dhaka Metro Rail project. Atsuko Tanaka’s father Hiroshi Tanaka is one of them.
Atsuko Tanaka began her letter by wishing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina good health and heartily congratulated her on being elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the fourth consecutive term earlier this year.
Referring to Sheikh Hasina’s victory in the last election, Atsuko said, “This achievement of yours is proof of the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership and your ‘vision’ for the future of Bangladesh.”
Atsuko Tanaka mentioned that he came to Dhaka to attend the commemoration organized by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) on July 3. He also recalled the meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit to Tokyo in 2019 and the letter Sheikh Hasina sent to her.
Atsuko said, the letter you (Sheikh Hasina) sent is a great source of healing my heart.
Atsuko Tanaka wished development, prosperity and lasting peace in Bangladesh. Expressing interest in ‘Peace Education’ in Bangladesh, he said, at a meeting at JICA’s Bangladesh office, experts told how Bangladesh has included ‘Peace Education’ in the curriculum.
Mr. actively spread this peace education. Atsuko Tanaka said Ichiguchi suggested holding a peace essay contest.
Atsuko Tanaka said, the prize-winning essay will be displayed in Dhaka Metro. This initiative will encourage students to engage in social service along with peace.
Atsuko Tanaka also said that this article displayed in Dhaka Metro will soothe the souls of those who were killed in Holy Artisan like her father.
Atsuko Tanaka ended the letter by wishing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina success in all her endeavors.