Home Minister seeks Norwegian investment, Rohingya support.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today called for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh and urged stronger international support for the safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar during a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbransen.
The ambassador paid a courtesy call on the minister at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat, where the two sides discussed bilateral trade, investment, renewable energy, climate cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis.
Welcoming Norway’s growing focus on trade and investment, Ahmed invited Norwegian investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s renewable energy, information and communication technology (ICT), shipbuilding, and packaging sectors.
He also emphasized the potential for expanding exports of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals, leather goods, IT services, jute products, and handicrafts to the Norwegian market.
The minister stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in renewable energy and environmentally sustainable technologies, noting Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change.
He called for greater collaboration through initiatives such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Norfund’s Climate Investment Fund.
On the Rohingya issue, Ahmed thanked Norway for its continued humanitarian assistance and support through the Norwegian Refugee Council.
However, he said the prolonged presence of a large Rohingya population in Bangladesh continues to create significant economic and security challenges and urged Norway and the international community to take a more proactive role in ensuring the Rohingyas’ safe return to Myanmar.
Ambassador Gulbransen praised Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment, as well as supporting Bangladesh’s development and security.
He also reiterated Norway’s commitment to cooperation and solidarity with Bangladesh on issues of mutual interest in international forums, including the United Nations.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka.
