Bangladesh asks Japan to review travel alert

Bangladesh has urged Japan to review its travel alert that it had imposed after the Holey Artisan cafe attack in 2016.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali after the bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono 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 a joint press briefing.

“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.

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 who had cancelled his visit to Bangabandhu Museum.

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.

“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”.