Diplomatic Correspondent

Dr Sheikh Aleemuzzaman, secretary general of the Japan-Bangladesh Medical Association (JBMA), has been awarded the “Foreign Minister's Commendation Award 2024” by the Japanese government for his outstanding contributions to promoting medical exchange between Japan and Bangladesh and fostering trust in Japanese healthcare in Bangladesh.

The award ceremony was held at the official residence of Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori in the capital on Thursday evening.

At the beginning of the programme, the Japanese ambassador expressed his sincere thanks and congratulations to Dr Sheikh Aleemuzzaman for this award.

In his speech, the envoy said, “Aleemuzzaman's unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership have played a crucial role in nurturing and deepening friendly relations between Japan and Bangladesh, especially in the medical field.”

Describing the extensive contributions of Dr Aleemuzzaman, the Japanese ambassador said it becomes clear that he has tirelessly pursued various activities over the decades.

The envoy said that after graduating from Rajshahi University in 1989, he (Aleemuzzaman) visited Japan as a student of the Monbusho Scholarship (present MEXT).

An excellent medical student in Japan, he completed his doctorate in medical sciences in 1994 and passed the national medical examination in Japan in 2006.

Since the early 2000s, together with both Japanese and Bangladeshi partners in Japan, he has been voluntarily providing medical services to the people of Bangladesh in Japan while working in the Japanese hospital and teaching at the university in Japan, the envoy said.

As a seasoned medical professional and secretary general of the JBMA, he plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation between the Japanese and Bangladeshi medical and health sectors, Kiminori added.

He also said, “In addition to his work as a doctor, he actively promoted medical, social and cultural exchanges between Japanese and Bangladeshi communities in Japan by establishing the Boishakhi Mela Executive Committee in Japan and organising annual events.”

Dr Sheikh Aleemuzzaman, in his speech, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Japanese government for this recommendation.

Expressing his sincere gratitude to the Japanese government, Sheikh Aleemuzzaman said, “This is a very painful time for all of us, as the mass uprising last July and August caused premature deaths and fatal injuries to thousands. On behalf of the Japanese President and all members of JBMA, I express my sincere condolences and deepest condolences to them.”

“JBMA is honoured to announce to donate $10,000 for the injured patients to support treatment abroad,” he added.

Prof Md Sayedur Rahman, vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Prof Dr AKM Moazzem Hussain, chairman of the Advisory Council of the Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh, Prof Nazmul Hosain, director general of Directorate General of Medical Education, and other guests were present on the occasion.