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From Mainamati War Cemetery

‘We’re taking our heroes home after 81 yrs to honour their memories’

Japanese team leader Tatsuaki Inoue tells The Daily Observer

Published : Monday, 25 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 390
Tausiful Islam
The remains of 24 Japanese soldiers, who were laid to rest at the Mainamati War Cemetery during the Second World War, are being repatriated to Japan after 81 years. A seven-member forensic team, led by Tatsuaki Inoue, Director of the 3rd Operations Department of the Japan Association for Recovery and Repatriation of War Casualties, began the exhumation process on November 13 and completed it on November 24.

Talking to The Daily Observer on November 22 at the cemetery, Inoue said that the Japanese government had initiated the repatriation to honour the fallen soldiers. 

"Though the government knew about the burials at Mainamati, there were some complications in Japanese policy. After many years, the government decided to focus on repatriating the remains," Inoue said.

He mentioned that the Japanese government plans to conduct DNA tests on the remains to identify their families. 

When asked about the final resting place of the remains, he said, "The remains will be interred at the National Cemetery in the centre of Tokyo. While we have the names of most of the deceased, their families have not yet been confirmed. Thus, the government intends to conduct DNA tests."

According to Wikipedia, Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo is a memorial for 352,297 unidentified war dead from the Second World War, located near the Imperial Palace and Yasukuni Shrine.

Inoue added that although the remains would be repatriated, the memories of the fallen heroes would continue to live on at Mainamati War Cemetery. 

Reflecting on his short visit to Bangladesh, he called it 'impressive' and praised the security measures, thanking the Bangladesh army, local administration and law enforcement agencies.

"We share the same values as the Bangladeshi people, such as modesty and kindness to foreigners," Inoue said.

Local support for the repatriation came from Bir Protik Lt Col (Retd) Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, a researcher on war history. 

Zahir praised Japan's dedication to repatriating its fallen soldiers. 

"Japan is one of our best friends. It stood by us during the 1971 Liberation War and continues to help us in times of need, such as during floods and cyclones," he told this correspondent. 

He noted, "The Bangladesh government decided to assist Japan with the repatriation of the soldiers' remains."

Zahir explained that the official process for repatriation began in 2013.

"The government asked me to assist, but after the Holey Artisan Bakery attack in 2016 where some Japanese nationals became victims of the mayhem, discussions stalled. 

However, last year, the Japan and Bangladesh governments and the Commonwealth reached an agreement to proceed with the repatriation," he added.

In the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack, 22 civilians, five terrorists, and two police officers were killed, with 50 others injured. Among the victims were seven Japanese citizens, five men and two women, associated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).


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