Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring free and fair general elections in Bangladesh during a meeting with Diana Janse, the State Secretary for International Development Cooperation of Sweden’s Foreign Ministry. Following the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as emphasizing the government’s dedication to holding transparent elections.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the strong relations between Bangladesh and Sweden during their meeting. Prime Minister Hasina called for an end to the Ukraine-Russia war and suggested redirecting the resources saved from ending the conflict towards humanitarian causes. She also highlighted the adverse impact of war-related sanctions on food grain transportation, leading to inflation and rising commodity prices.
Sheikh Hasina praised Bangladesh’s agriculturists for their significant role in increasing food production and mentioned the government’s plans to establish 100 special economic zones across the country. She offered land for Swedish investment as well.
Regarding the Rohingya issue, the Swedish State Secretary commended Prime Minister Hasina for providing shelter to over one million displaced Myanmar nationals. She expressed her government’s desire for the dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The Swedish State Secretary lauded Sheikh Hasina’s leadership in various areas, including women’s empowerment, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation. The prime minister expressed disappointment with the insufficient efforts of developed countries in combating the impacts of climate change.
The Swedish State Secretary also recognized the significance of the Deep Seaport for Bangladesh’s development.
In addition to PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin and Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, the meeting was attended by key officials.
