Dhaka: Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen today expressed his country’s eagerness to work with Bangladesh in climate adaptation, crop diversification, and fisheries sectors. ‘Various Norwegian companies are interested to work in various sectors in Bangladesh as the two countries have a long-standing history of mutual relations, development cooperation, and trade,’ he said. The envoy made the remarks while paying a call on Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the latter’s ministry office here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, the adviser and the envoy discussed various issues related to food security, climate change, crop damages caused by recent floods, the law and order situation of the country, and the Rohingya crisis as well. The Norwegian envoy mentioned that his country is interested in exporting nitrogen fertilizer to Bangladesh. Welcoming the Norwegian delegation, the adviser noted the demand for fertilizers in
the country and suggested that Norway could export fertilizers through Government to Government (G to G) or private sector initiatives.
Further discussions involved Bangladesh’s efforts in providing shelter to Rohingya refugees. The adviser requested the ambassador to consider offering shelter to a number of Rohingyas in Norway. On the matter of law and order, the adviser stated that the situation was gradually improving and would soon return to normal. He highlighted government measures such as recruiting more police personnel to maintain order and mentioned steps taken to boost police morale.
The Norwegian interest in collaborating on police reform was also addressed, with Jahangir Alam, who is also responsible for the Ministry of Home Affairs, expressing his intention to engage with the police reform commission on the matter. The meeting also touched on the impact of recent floods on food grain production in Bangladesh, with the government planning to procure additional food grains. The adviser requested
Norway to consider taking young researchers from Bangladesh in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The ambassador assured that he would work sincerely on this request.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Norwegian Embassy were present at the meeting, among others.