Dhaka: German ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Tröster has emphasized that the establishment of Bangladesh's Interim Government with a renewed commitment to democratic values has strengthened its cooperation framework with Germany, both bilaterally and within the European Union. 'The German government assumes that with the establishment of the Interim government, the common basis for cooperation - bilaterally as well as in the framework of its cooperation with the European Union - has broadened,' the envoy said. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the German ambassador made the remarks while addressing a reception organized to celebrate the 'Day of German Unity' held at the German Embassy in Dhaka. Finance and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed attended the event as the chief guest, along with politicians, journalists, and diplomats based in Dhaka. The German envoy highlighted that Germany can now share more democratic values and principles with Dhaka than before, hoping to seize this opportunity for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people by advancing freedom, participatory democracy, and broader prosperity. He stressed the belief in democratic values and acknowledged the sacrifices made by parts of Bangladeshi society for these aspirations. Addressing the importance of reconciliation, the ambassador referred to a Bangladeshi politician's call for reconciliation between political parties. He cited the successful reconciliation experiences of countries like South Africa, Rwanda, and Germany's own with France as potential examples for Bangladesh to follow. The envoy suggested that reconciliation could lead to a more harmonious society in Bangladesh. The ambassador emphasized the need for apologies for past crimes and mistakes as a step towards reconciliation, noting that reconciliation is not possible without investigating and acknowledging the truth. He commended Bangladesh's Interim Government for prioritizing investigations into events from July and August 2024, in collaboration with the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Expressing optimism about bilateral ties, the ambassador affirmed that Bangladesh-Germany relations remain strong and will continue to flourish, even in challenging times. He noted Germany's long-standing partnership in Bangladesh's development and expressed interest in expanding trade across various sectors. The German government praised the Interim Government's efforts to restore security and stability in Bangladesh and ongoing reforms, particularly in the banking sector. German businesses continue to show interest in Bangladesh, anticipating economic reforms that could enhance investments.
