Dhaka: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Japanese Studies at the University of Dhaka collaborated to organize the Fifth JICA Chair Lecture on the ‘History and Future of Nursing in Japan and Bangladesh’ at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the university. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, presided over the seminar, with Dr. Hiroko Minami, Prof Emeritus of Kobe City College of Nursing and former President of the International Council of Nurses, delivering the keynote lecture.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Minami discussed the historical development of modern nursing services and how societal crises have influenced nurses’ personalities and professionalism globally. She elaborated on the nursing education system in Japan, detailing the curriculum and career path for nurses. The event was attended by key figures, including Secretary of Health Services Division Md. Saidur Rahman, who addressed the seminar as the chief guest, and Secretary of Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Md. Sarwar Bari, along with Professor and Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at DU Dr. Taiabur Rahman as special guests.
Rahman emphasized the importance of learning from Japanese nursing educational advancements and noted that the government, with JICA’s support, has initiated efforts to develop the career path for nurses in Bangladesh. Ichiguchi Tomohide, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, also participated as a special guest, expressing gratitude to the Department of Japanese Studies for organizing the seminar and highlighting JICA’s ongoing support for Bangladesh’s progress toward becoming a middle-income country.
The seminar featured introductory remarks by Acting Chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies at DU, Associate Prof Dr. Dilruba Sharmin, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including JICA and research scholars, for their participation. The event also included a Q and A session with Dr. Yayoi TAMURA, President of Japan Visiting Nursing Foundation, and Dr. Noriko Katada, chair of the Board of Trustees and president of Mie Prefectural College of Nursing.
In his concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the necessity for advancing nursing education in Bangladesh to meet the demands of its growing population. He congratulated the Department of Japanese Studies and JICA for organizing the seminar, expressing hopes for the department to serve as a hub for Japanese initiatives in Bangladesh, thus strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to the country’s development. The seminar attracted more than 500 attendees, including academics, researchers, development professionals, and students from DU and various nursing colleges.