JS-08 Outgoing Dutch envoy calls on PM

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JS-08

PM-CALL ON-DUTCH ENVOY

Outgoing Dutch envoy calls on PM

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 3, 2018 (BSS) – The outgoing Ambassador of the Netherlands, Leoni Cuelenaere, made a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sangsad Bhaban office here today.

PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim said the issues of Delta Plan, women empowerment and Rohingay came up in the discussion.

In the meeting, the prime minister gave emphasis on making an effective Delta Plan by giving importance on land reclamation as well as dredging.

She said most of the rivers in Bangladesh carry sediments from upstream, reducing the storage capacity of water. So, one of the important component of the Delta Plan should be the river dredging, she added.

The Dutch envoy appreciated the prime minister’s initiatives for river dredging, saying it would be helpful for the economy.

Sheikh Hasina said her government is giving importance to make the river routes operational to reduce pressure on road communication.

The press secretary said the issues of the garment industries also came up in the discussion when the envoy expressed her government’s interest in further enhancing the trade and commerce with Bangladesh.

About the women empowerment in Bangladesh, the prime minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made the provision of keeping reserve seats in the parliament.

The present government has extended the number of reserve seats and now about 22 women are directly elected in the parliament, she said.

Pointing out the Rohingya issue, the envoy said she admires the humanitarian gesture of the prime minister. The prime minister noted her government’s steps for relocating the Rohingya to an island to allow them to live in a better atmosphere and livelihood.

The envoy extend her gratitude to the prime minister for all support to her in discharging her duties, saying she enjoyed during her stay in Bangladesh very much.

Secretary of the Prime Minister Office (PMO) Sazzadul Hassan and Prime Minister’s Military Secretary Major General Mia Muhammed Joynul Abedin were present.

BSS/AKH/MRU/2109hrs