Member of the German Bundestag Boris Mijatovic, today met with Labour and Employment and Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain at the Secretariat. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Oct 26, 2025 (BSS) – Member of the German Bundestag Boris Mijatovic today called on Labour and Employment and Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain at his Secretariat office.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on various issues related to the labour and shipping sectors including development of Bangladesh’s labour sector, progress in renewable energy, strengthening investment and trade cooperation, and ongoing activities under GIZ, Germany’s development cooperation agency, said a press release.

Highlighting the growing potential of Bangladesh’s promising shipbuilding industry, the shipping adviser urged German investors to invest in this sector. 

He noted that Bangladesh is one of the maritime countries, possessing three sea ports in addition to a deep seaport under construction at Matarbari, as well as 54 inland river ports. 

About one-third of the country’s population depends on the maritime sector in various ways, he said.

Sakhawat said Bangladeshi shipyards are building oceangoing vessels of international standards that are being exported to developed countries. 

He said German investors can take advantage of Bangladesh’s skilled and affordable workforce by investing in this rapidly growing shipbuilding industry. 

He also sought German investment in building an international-standard dockyard at Matarbari.

Referring to Bangladesh’s candidacy for membership in Category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 term,  the adviser sought the support of the German government in the upcoming election. 

He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the development of the maritime sector among all IMO member states. 
In response, the German parliament member assured full cooperation from his government in this regard.

The adviser expressed firm commitment to further strengthening the existing friendly and cooperative relations between Bangladesh and Germany, particularly in shipbuilding, port infrastructure development, and related sectors.

He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh’s interim government to protect workers’ rights, ensure decent working conditions, and promote occupational health and safety. 

He urged the German parliament member to convey to global buyer brands the importance of ensuring fair prices for Bangladeshi products.

Both sides emphasized the need to enhance mutual cooperation in the labour and maritime sectors and to explore new opportunities for trade and investment.

Labour and Employment Secretary Dr. Md. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, Shipping Secretary (Routine Charge) Delwora Begum, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rudiger Lotz, Research Assistant Denise-Kathrin Bentele, and senior officials of the Ministry of Labour and Employment were present at the meeting.