Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark envoys hold talks with Tarique

The Ambassadors of Russia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark in Dhaka met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday and discussed various issues related to bilateral interests and ways to strengthen future ties with Bangladesh.

The envoys of Norway, Sweden and Denmark in Dhaka first met Tarique around 11:00am at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office.

Later, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin also held a meeting with the BNP Chairman at the same office.

BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, Chairman’s Advisory Council member Dr Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and BNP International Affairs Secretary Rashedul Haq were present at the meetings.

Briefing reporters afterwards, Humayun Kabir said the meetings were courtesy calls and focused on issues of national interest, including ways to strengthen bilateral relations with friendly countries in the coming days.

“I said yesterday (Monday) as well that there is special interest within the international community in BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman—both in his leadership and his vision for Bangladesh’s development,” he said.

The BNP leader said the talks covered areas such as trade, investment, energy and education, as well as how BNP’s proposed 31-point reform programme could be implemented if the party receives a public mandate in the February-12 election.

“We discussed how we can work together through foreign economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations in the interest of Bangladesh,” he said.

Asked whether the upcoming election was discussed in detail, Humayun Kabir said there was no specific or technical discussion on the polls.

“There was no detailed discussion on the election. But the diplomats showed interest in Bangladesh’s February 12 election and expressed hope that the country is moving towards a democratic space and democratic transition,” he said.

Humayun said both the people of Bangladesh and the international community are hopeful about the restoration of democracy through a free, fair and credible election.

“After 17 years, people are excited that they may finally get a real opportunity to cast their votes. In the same way, the international community is also excited that Bangladesh is moving towards democratic transition,” he said.

Humayun Kabir said the envoys believe the election can create a genuine opportunity for people to participate in the democratic process. “In previous elections, people did not really get the chance to vote. This election can give Bangladeshi citizens the opportunity to exercise their voting rights,” he said.

Replying to a question about Russia’s long-standing interest in selling defence equipment to Bangladesh, Humayun Kabir clarified that the issue did not come up in the meetings.

“There was no discussion on defence equipment. No technical or detailed talks took place on that issue,” he said.

Humayun Kabir described the meetings as introductory and cordial, noting that since Tarique Rahman’s political return on December 25, he has become a major focus of interest for the international community.