Premier Bank Foundation recently inaugurated the “Japanese Language Center” at Dr. Momtaz Begum University of Science and Technology located in Bhairab, Kishoreganj district.

Maho Nakayama, Director of Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan, was present as the chief guest at the event. The event was presided over by Mohammad Imran Iqbal, Chairman of Premier Bank and Member of the Board of Trustees of Dr. Momtaz Begum University of Science and Technology. Jamal G. Ahmed, Vice Chairman of Premier Bank and Member of the Board of Trustees of Dr. Momtaz Begum University of Science and Technology, were present as special guests at the event; Senior Research Fellow of the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan and Dr. Momtaz Begum University of Science and Technology Advisor Dr. Emadul Islam, Vice Chancellor (Acting) of the university Professor Dr. Mohammad Azizul Haque, Honorary Vice Chancellor of Sylhet International University Professor Dr. Md. Ashraful Alam, Head of Brand Marketing and Communication of Premier Bank Md. Tarek Uddin, local dignitaries, teachers-students, officials-employees and journalists were present.

In her speech, Director of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan, Maho Nakayama, warmly welcomed this timely initiative of establishing a university-based Japanese Language Center and highlighted its potential positive aspects. She also wished for the overall success of this effort.

Mr. Mohammad Imran Iqbal, a member of the board of trustees of the university, said, “The establishment of the language center is not only in the field of education, but also a bright milestone in further strengthening the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan. In the light of the education and humanitarian philosophy of the founder and board chairman of this university, the brave freedom fighter Dr. H. B. M. Iqbal, we stand by the meritorious and underprivileged students.”

Mr. Jamal G. Ahmed, a member of the board of trustees of the university, reminded of the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan in his speech. He said, “I believe that the students here will benefit from the establishment of the Japanese Language Center in the long run.”

Dr. Emadul Islam, advisor to the university, said, “Japan is at the top of the world map in education, research and technology. The effort to establish a Japanese Language Center in this university is very timely and will be an exemplary example for other universities in the country.”

The Vice-Chancellor (Acting) of the University, Professor Dr. Mohammad Azizul Haque, in his welcome address, said, “The great initiative taken by the Honorable Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, the brave freedom fighter Dr. H. B. M. Iqbal to spread the light of higher education in his birthplace, Banshgari, is another example of patriotism. This university started its academic activities in July 2024. Although its journey is short, it is one of the first universities in the country to implement the Outcome-Based Curriculum since its inception. I am hopeful that this center will play an important role in enhancing the capabilities of the students and making them world-class.”

At the beginning of the program, the Honorable Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Mr. Ashiq Al Aziz, presented a brief introduction to the university and a presentation on the Japanese Language Center.