Dhaka: A two-day Young Scholar Conference on "Japan's Soft Diplomacy in South Asia: Change and Continuity" is set to commence tomorrow at Dhaka University. The event is a collaborative effort by the Japanese Studies Association in South Asia (JSASA) and the Department of Japanese Studies (DJS) of Dhaka University, with the cooperation of the Japan Foundation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conference will be held at 10 am in the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. It is expected to gather 40 young scholars from Bangladesh, Japan, China, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The discussions will center on Japan's diplomatic strategies and regional engagement in South Asia, offering insights into the nuances of Japan's international relations.
The Director General of Japan Foundation in South Asia, Sato Koji, who is attending the conference, recently paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam. During the meeting, Professor Dr Obaidul Islam highlighted the significance of strengthening bilateral relations between Dhaka University and Japanese universities. He stressed the importance of educational cooperation, cultural exchanges, and joint academic and research programs in fostering these ties.
Present at the meeting were DU Japanese Studies Department Chairman Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam, JSASA Secretary General Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, along with other faculty members. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and academic commitment to enhancing understanding of Japan's role in South Asia.