On the night of July 1, 2016, terror shattered the calm of Dhaka’s upscale Gulshan neighborhood. Armed militants stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery, taking hostages and executing 20 civilians in a siege that lasted nearly 12 hours. Among the dead were seven Japanese nationals—dedicated professionals who had devoted their lives to helping build Bangladesh’s future.
Who Were They?
All seven Japanese victims were members of a team working under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Their mission: to upgrade Bangladesh’s national highway system, reduce accidents, and enhance trade and transport efficiency.
The deceased included veteran engineers, transport specialists, and young professionals on their first overseas assignments. They were:
Honoring Their Legacy
Since the tragedy, Bangladesh and JICA have taken steps to preserve their memory:
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