Bangladesh has urged Japan to review its travel alert, which was imposed after the Holey Artisan cafe attack in 2016.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali made the call during a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono at state guesthouse Meghna in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The two ministers briefed the media after the meeting.
Mahmood Ali said Bangladesh is “grateful” to Japan for the support and understanding shown after the terror attack in Dhaka’s Gulshan.
“Investigation of the Holey Artisan incident is being conducted with the highest priority and charge-sheet has been submitted to court on 23 July 2018,” he said at the joint press briefing after the meeting.
“I hope Japan will stand in solidarity with Bangladesh in our fight against terrorism and review its travel alert,” Ali added.
Kono came to Dhaka on Wednesday on a brief visit from Myanmar, reports bdnew24.com.
This is his second visit to Bangladesh within a year. He said he is delighted to be here after the November visit. Both sides discussed the Rohingya refugees issue.
“There has been a productive meeting,” said Kono.
He said they had a candid meeting on the situation of the Rakhine State and that both sides stressed safe, voluntary and dignified return of the refugees.
According to UNB, Bangladesh and Japan shared specific proposals to find an early solution to Rohingya crisis ensuring their safe, voluntary and sustainable return to Myanmar.
The Japanese Foreign Minister hoped that the situation relating to student protests will be handled and calmed down in a peaceful manner.
Both sides agreed on regional stability and said the safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas is the key to that -- regional stability.
“We confirm the further deepening of bilateral relations under comprehensive partnership,” the Japanese foreign minister said.
He said he would work together with his Bangladesh counterpart for further reinforcement of the bilateral relations and cooperation “to realise free and open Indo-Pacific based on rule of law”.
The Japanese side also sought the safety of its nationals working in Bangladesh and a congenial environment for Japanese investors here.
