Japan has awarded “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” to Prof. Abul Barkat, Founding Chairman of Department of Japanese Studies, University of Dhaka, in recognition of his contribution to laying a strong foundation of Japanese studies in academic sphere in Bangladesh.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori hosted the reception at his official residence on Thursday (June 22).

Ambassador Iwama mentioned, “In his 41 years of illustrious career, Prof. Barkat had undertaken many crucial roles, and one such role was the establishment of the Department of Japanese Studies in the University of Dhaka, the most esteemed educational institution in Bangladesh”.
 
Since 1994, as a professor in the economic department of DU, Prof. Abul Barkat delivered numerous lectures, conducted surveys and published evaluation reports, papers, and publications associated with Japan's ODA projects and Japanese economy. 

Prof. Barkat also contributed to the development of Japan Study Center (JSC), as a director since 2012. In 2014, during Prime Minister of Japan late Shinzo Abe’s visit to Bangladesh, both countries pledged to further strengthen research activities conducted by “Japan Study Center”.

In 2018, Japan Study Center was upgraded to the Department of Japanese Studies in the University of Dhaka. This initiative has led students at Japanese Studies in the University to be able to attain a bachelor's and master’s degree at the department.

The Government of Japan decided to confer the award on Prof. Barkat on November 3rd, 2022.