Netherlands for sustained global pressure on Myanmar

Newly appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Hendrikus GJ Harry yesterday stressed the need for continued international pressure on Myanmar so it takes back its nationals staying in Bangladesh.

He made the remark when he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gono Bhaban.

PM's press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

Highly praising the economic development achieved by Bangladesh, the Dutch envoy hoped to work for strengthening relations between the two countries further.

"Bangladesh has immense opportunity to develop further in agricultural sector," Ambassador Hendrikus said, adding that his country has joined Bangladesh's efforts to materialise its Delta Plan 2100, saying that both the countries have a common long-term Delta Plan.

The ambassador during the meeting handed over a letter from Queen Máxima to the Bangladesh prime minister.

Welcoming the new envoy in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Hasina recalled the support of the Netherlands during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.

About the repatriation of the Rohingyas, the PM told Ambassador Hendrikus that China and India are building houses in Myanmar's Rakhine state for the Rohingyas, while Japan also expressed its interest to extend cooperation in this regard.

Hasina highly appreciated the Dutch support in formulating the Delta Plan 2100 and sought further assistance for its implementation.

The prime minister also sought support from the Netherlands in water management and prevention of river erosion.

Hasina informed the Dutch envoy of her government's plan to establish 100 special economic zones across the country and invited foreign investment in those.