Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought Sweden’s support for Bangladesh’s smooth transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC). She said, “We are seeking Sweden’s support and cooperation for a smooth transition from the LDC.” The Prime Minister made this request during a farewell meeting with Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexandra Berg von Linde, at her official residence Ganabhaban.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam Khan informed journalists that the Prime Minister also requested Sweden to grant GSP Plus facilities to aid this transition. In response, the Swedish envoy expressed their interest in this matter.
Bangladesh has billion-dollar trade with Sweden, mostly in ready-made garments (RMG). The Ambassador mentioned that her country would extend cooperation in this sector and prioritize sustainability in social and environmental aspects due to their commitment to climate change and environmental issues. Regarding Prime Minister’s Vision-2041, Alexandra said that Sweden would offer all possible support in this digital journey.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called upon Sweden to invest in Bangladesh’s special economic zones. When the Rohingya issue was raised, the Prime Minister expressed concern over internal conflicts in Myanmar, which are deteriorating the situation there.
The Ambassador agreed with the Prime Minister, stating that they would not ask the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to return to Myanmar unless a favorable environment prevails. She said, “Until the conflicting situation in Myanmar is resolved and a safe return environment is created, they cannot ask them to return.”
Highlighting that around 30,000 new Rohingya children are born every year in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said that the local Bangladeshis are losing their jobs due to the Rohingya influx, and the environment is being significantly damaged. The presence of Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar is causing instability in local employment. The government has made various facilities available for the Rohingyas, enabling them to lead a better life in Bhashan Char.
The Ambassador mentioned that they have ensured special projects for the host community in Cox’s Bazar to create a favorable situation for both the Rohingyas and the host community. She praised the Prime Minister’s generosity for providing shelter to the Rohingyas for nearly seven years. Mentioning that she visited Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexandra Berg von Linde told the Prime Minister that Bangladesh demonstrated excellent management in tackling the pandemic.
