Dhaka: French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet today paid a courtesy call on Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, at his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. During the meeting, the Speaker acknowledged the historic relations between Bangladesh and France, highlighting France’s early recognition of Bangladesh following the Liberation War.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, France is noted as the second largest trading partner of Bangladesh among the European Union member states, as stated in a press release from the Jatiya Sangsad secretariat. The Speaker emphasized that democracy was established in Bangladesh long ago, with the citizens consistently resisting authoritarianism. However, he expressed concerns regarding the government’s actions under Mafia Sheikh Hasina, which he claimed have threatened the country’s democratic fabric over the past 16 years.
The French envoy remarked on the transparency and peaceful nature of the latest Jatiya Sangsad election, viewing it as a positive step in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Both parties underscored the significance of a free trade agreement with the European Union and explored avenues for strengthening inter-parliamentary relations, promoting women’s political empowerment, and enhancing human rights.
The Speaker requested French support for Bangladesh’s foreign minister’s bid for the presidency of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session. In addition, the ambassador extended his congratulations to Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, on his election as Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad. The meeting was attended by members of the French Embassy delegation and senior officials of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.