Dhaka – The government plans to make Bangladesh’s upcoming general election “the best ever and historic”, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said yesterday.
“We want to make it an example, a historical example,” Yunus said during a meeting with Haakon Aalard Gulbrandsen, Norway's ambassador to Bangladesh.
Yunus also encouraged Norway to use Bangladesh as a regional distribution center for its products and invest more in the country.
“Use Bangladesh as a base to distribute Norwegian products in Asia so that you don't need to bring your people from Norway and can use our young people,” he said.
Yunus highlighted the success of Grameenphone, the first overseas joint venture of Norwegian telecommunications giant Telenor, and emphasized that it has transformed into the most profitable entity within the Telenor Group.
Gulbrandsen handed over a letter from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gall Storey expressing strong support for the interim government of Bangladesh.
“The Prime Minister strongly supports your efforts to initiate much-needed reforms and conduct free and fair democratic elections,” the ambassador said.
The Norwegian envoy also conveyed Norway’s appreciation for Bangladesh’s commitment to protecting human rights and promoting environmental sustainability.
He added that Norway was keen to cooperate with Bangladesh in the ship recycling industry and in promoting the green energy transition.
The chief adviser has sought help from Norway in resolving the Rohingya crisis against the backdrop of Myanmar's changing political situation.
“Norway plays an important role in peacekeeping operations. Therefore, we need your help to solve the Rohingya crisis,” Yunus said.
The ambassador said Norway is keen to work closely with Bangladesh in international forums on issues such as the Palestinian conflict, international tax regulations and plastic pollution.
Marrianne Rabe Knaevelsrud, deputy head of the Norwegian mission in Dhaka, expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for supporting the Norwegian-led United Nations resolution on humanitarian access to Palestine.
