E-conference on Japanology at DU starts 28 Jan

The Department of Japanese Studies at the University of Dhaka (DU) is going to organise a two-day international e-conference titled "Japanology in New Era" on 28-29 January. 

Marking the programme, a virtual press conference was held on Tuesday where Chairman of the department Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun said, "We are privileged to arrange this mega event on the eve of the DU centenary. We are expecting that scholars from at least 14 countries will participate in it."

"Thirty-seven universities and seven institutions will join us. The conference will mostly cover topics such as Covid-19, foreign direct investment, history and culture, language and literature, education, and of course, bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Japan," he added.    

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman will be present as the chief guest while Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki Ito will be the special guest. Founder Chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies Professor Dr Abul Barkat will grace the occasion as the chair of the inaugural session. 

Joining the press conference from Sophia University of Tokyo, John West said, "In the last 20 years, I have been active in policy-related issues, especially on Japan, and that is why I want to join the conference to get better insights into Japan and Bangladesh. I am looking forward to understanding Japanese foreign policy on Bangladesh where China has an immense influence."  

Director of the Japan-ASEAN Studies Centre under the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University of Thailand Dr Saikaew Thipakorn said, "We have to focus on inter-cultural relationship apart from the diverse relations that mostly deal with economics of the region and now it is obvious to come forward on environmental friendship."