Voice From Alumni
Ms. Shirajum Munira
- From
- Jhenaidah
- Degree
- Master's degree from the Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo
Message
Please give a short introduction about yourself.
I am Shirajum Munira from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh. I have done my B.S.S and M.S.S in Economics from the University of Dhaka, the best university in Bangladesh. Soon after my masters, I joined a private commercial bank in August 2008. However, I always wanted to work for Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of Bangladesh, as I knew I would be able to best apply my knowledge of Economics there and pursue my dream of higher study also. My efforts paid off and I started to work for Bangladesh Bank from April 2009 as an Assistant Director. In 2012, I applied for Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) and got selected to do my second masters at Public Polciy at University of Tokyo(UT) in Japan. I graduated from University of Tokyo in August 2014 and came back to Bangladesh to continue my job with Bangladesh Bank. Currently, I am working as a Joint Director here.
What is your favorite thing about Tokyo?
Everything about Tokyo is amazing. It has perhaps everything to offer one can hope for. If one gets tired of the busy city life of Tokyo with its dazzling skyscrapers, lavish shopping malls, restaurants, cafes then there are numerous parks, garden and other entertainment facilities to relax. In Tokyo, I lived at Tokyo International Exchange Centre at Odaiba. There my most favourite thing was to travel everyday by sky train from Odaiba to next stop for subway while ejoying the stunning view of the bay and the mainland. I was also mesmerized by the beauty of the underground city of Tokyo that I used to enjoy during my subway journey.I will always remember the beautiful Cherry Blossom, beauty of Hongo cambus of UT during Autumn and my visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea. Other things that I must mention are the cleanliness of Japansese people and the restrooms/washrooms every few meters. I always found every corner of the lane, roads, highways, building, train station etc. so painstakingly clean which I didn't find even in some of the most developed countries in Europe I was fortunate enough to visit.
In what ways has your impression of Tokyo or Japan changed since coming here?
Japan was always a dream county for me to visit from my childhood. A story in my school book at the primary level about how Japanese parents treat their children left such a strong positive impression on me that whenever someone asked which country I wanted to visit first, I always said about Japan.My impression became only stronger during my two-years stay in Japan and I still feel a very deep attachement with it and consider it most dear to me after Bangladesh. I found Japanese culture very unique and Japanese people exceptionally honest, polite and helpful. During my initial days in Japan when I was struggling to settle down there, I got so much help from my Japanese friends and sometimes even from total strangers that I still cherish. I believe that my experience with Japanese culture and its people has evolved me as a better and more socially respnsible person.
What attracted you to choose The University of Tokyo as a place to study?
I had to mention the name of three Japanese universities according to my preference in the application form when I was applying for JISPA scholarship. I chose University of Tokyo as my first preference as it was the highest ranked univerity in Asia at that time and one of the best in the world. During my stay in Japan, I found that even Japanese people consider the students of UT as the best and would look at UT students with great awe. I consider myself extremely privileged for getting the opportunity to study there and to meet some of the greatest professors of Economics from whom I learnt so much. My masters program in Public Policy at Graduate School of Public Policy(GraSPP) of UT have enriched my knowledge in policy field and boost my confidence to great extent. I believe that I am now better equipped to contribute towards formualtion and implementation of monetary policy, the main task of central bank of a country.
What attracted you to stay and work in Japan afterwards? In what ways, do you like your work?
After completing my study, I had to come back to Bangladesh as per the condition of my scholarship to serve my country. However, I would like to pursue my PHD in Japan. I hope to explore all the beautiful places of Japan, its culture, foods and have many more exciting experiences there.
How did you learn Japanese language before coming to Japan?
Before going to Japan, I learnt some Japanese words from a Japanese language book. However, before starting my study at UT, I attended an orientation program at International University of Japan in Nigata where I was taught the language as part of the program.
Please write a message to students or researchers in your home country who may be thinking about studying in Japan.
Japan is very beautiful and also one of the safest countries of the world with lots of opportunities for higher education for international students. There are many scholarships available for international students such as Japanese government scholarship, university scholarships and also scholarships offered by various private foundations, companies etc. Japan has many universities that are now offering very high quality education in English language. Due to problem of aged poplation, Japan government is also giving emphasis on hiring qualified manpower from aboroad. International students with Japanese degree are getting prority there. Most of the students, immediately after graduation, are offered job by the renowned companies. Hence, Japan is a great country for those who want to pursue higher education as well as want to work and stay in Japan. I would like to invite students from Bangladesh to explore the education opportunities in Japan and to experience the unique culture and exceptionally kind Japanese people.