PM, Dutch minister discuss trade, Teesta project and Rohingya crisis

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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and visiting Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma discussed expanding trade and investment, a possible Bangladesh-EU free trade agreement, the Teesta project and the Rohingya crisis on Tuesday.

During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, Tarique welcomed Dutch interest in studying the feasibility of the Teesta project and providing technical expertise. Both sides also discussed cooperation in water management, land reclamation, river management and agriculture.

Bangladesh sought Dutch support in exploring a free trade agreement with the European Union. The Dutch minister also praised Bangladesh’s renewable energy plans and enquired about government measures to address the energy crisis.

On the Rohingya issue, Tarique said the crisis originated in Myanmar and called for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees to their homeland. Both sides stressed stronger diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

The discussions also covered democracy and human rights. Tarique said his government was committed to protecting human rights, drawing on the BNP’s past experience of rights violations.

Sjoerdsma invited the prime minister to visit the Netherlands. Senior ministers, advisers and the Dutch ambassador to Bangladesh attended the meeting.