Dhaka: Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh Derek Loh paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office on Monday afternoon. During the meeting, fruitful discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest, including the law-and-order and security situations, enhancing the professional training, skills and capacity-building of Bangladesh Police, cyber security, sharing of mutual information to combat transnational terrorism and extremism, expansion of trade and investment, and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Home Minister emphasized the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship between Bangladesh and Singapore, which is built on mutual interests, cooperation, and friendship. Both countries share identical views and perspectives on issues of mutual interest at both international and regional levels. Echoing these sentiments, High Commissioner Derek Loh described Bangladesh and Singapore as highly trusted and friendly nations.
Singapore expressed readiness to extend technological and training support to enhance the skills and capacity of law enforcement agencies, including the Bangladesh Police. To further this goal, a delegation of senior police officers from Bangladesh could be sent to Singapore, as suggested by Derek Loh. The High Commissioner also mentioned the "Singapore Cooperation Programme," which offers capacity-building opportunities for developing countries through various meetings, seminars, and workshops, inviting Bangladesh's participation.
Salahuddin Ahmed welcomed Singapore's assistance in enhancing police skills and capacity and sought policy cooperation in the police reform process of Bangladesh. He highlighted the rising issue of cybercrimes and stressed the importance of regular exchange of experience and technology between the two countries to combat these modern crimes.
Real-time information sharing between Bangladesh and Singapore was emphasised by High Commissioner Derek Loh as a measure to combat transnational terrorism and extremism. The Home Minister reiterated Bangladesh's strict stance on countering extremism and terrorism with a 'zero-tolerance' policy.
Regarding mutual legal assistance, a proposal was sent by Bangladesh to Singapore on 22 February 2024, for an agreement on "Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters." Upon receiving the final consent from Singapore, both countries aim to sign the agreement promptly, enhancing mutual cooperation in crime reduction.
The High Commissioner praised the economic potential of Bangladesh and expressed Singapore's interest in investing in key infrastructural sectors such as health, education, power, and traffic congestion mitigation. The Home Minister encouraged Singaporean entrepreneurs to capitalize on Bangladesh's business-friendly and investment-conducive policies to foster economic development.