Bangladesh Delegation under the JST Sakura Science Program Paid a Courtesy Visit to President Otani

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, a delegation of eight faculty members and students from the Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET) and Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) visited Shimane University and paid a courtesy call on President Otani. Their visit to Japan was made possible through a program proposed by Assistant Professor Mian Riaz Ul Haque of the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Science and Engineering, which was selected for the Japan Science and Technology Agency’s(JST) “Sakura Science Program”. The delegation will stay in Japan from February 1 to 7 and engage in research exchange activities in their specialized field of data science.

At the beginning of the courtesy visit, President Otani welcomed the visitors, expressing his hope that their stay would be fruitful and lead to new collaborative research opportunities with Shimane University in the future. Dr. MD Liakot Ali of BUET then conveyed his appreciation, noting the advanced science and technology in Japan, the contrasting landscapes of urban and rural areas, and the warm hospitality of the Japanese people. He added that he wished to share this valuable experience with students in his home country.

Prof. Riaz explained that the program brings together Shimane University, BUET, PUST, and additional domestic and international collaborators as invited lecturers, enabling highly specialized sessions. Through these activities, participating students are expected to gain deeper insights into sustainable regional revitalization that integrates ICT, data science, and environmental monitoring.

Furthermore, both sides confirmed their intention to advance concrete discussions toward concluding an inter-university exchange agreement between Shimane University and the two visiting institutions, using this research exchange as a starting point.

 

  


Front row from left: Dr.Mian Riaz Ul Haque, President Hiroki Otani, Dr. Md Liakot Ali (BUET), Dr. Md Abdur Rahim (PUST)
Back row: Students from BUET, PUST

  

 

Following the courtesy visit, three Shimane University student ambassadors guided the delegation on a campus tour. After brief introductions, the group visited the University Museum Ashikar, the University Library, and the student cafeteria. Despite the chilly weather, occasional clear skies allowed the participants to enjoy conversations freely while experiencing the atmosphere of the Shimane University campus.