Dhaka seeks greater Dutch support

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah has sought support from the Netherlands towards the sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas and a political solution to the issue in Myanmar.

He made the request while calling on Dutch Prime Minister's Foreign and Security Adviser Geoffrey Van Leeuwen on March 31 2023, according to a release yesterday.

He also lauded the Dutch government's intention to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh beyond the water sector.

The principal secretary, accompanied by Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands M Riaz Hamidullah, apprised Bangladesh's journey in building a pluralist and liberal society, advancing women and commitment to strengthening functioning democratic institutions in Bangladesh.

Leeuwen lauded Bangladesh's continued journey in development under the leadership of PM Hasina.

He also reiterated the Dutch prime minister's invitation to Hasina to visit the Netherlands.

The principal secretary also proposed instituting a Public-Private Dialogue mechanism with the Netherlands which the Dutch side welcomed.

Tofazzel is leading a high-level Bangladesh delegation comprising Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, former MCCI president Barrister Nihad Kabir and Secretary General Farooq Ahmed.

During the day, the delegation held several meetings at the Dutch Foreign Ministry where the two sides discussed wide-ranging issues, including the extension of EU GSP facilities towards Bangladesh apparel sector beyond graduation as an LDC, collaboration on the implementation of transformative projects under Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP), facilitating Dutch investment financing in the private sector, especially across diverse sectors of Bangladesh agriculture, and innovative Dutch water solutions to Bangladesh.

He also met with representatives of leading Dutch financial institutions and the Eindhoven-based Brainport.