Dhaka, 7 March 2020, TON: The relationship between Bangladesh and Germany had always been cordial and this time would be celebrating almost 50 years together. German Chancellor Angela Markel has been invited on the occasion of the celebration of 100^th Birthday of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr Peter Fahrenholtz spoke about different aspects of the relations between the two countries and put forward some viable suggestions including how Bangladesh could get attention of the investors from different countries.  

Bangladesh, as one of large growing economy of the world, geo-strategically, regionally and globally, it is becoming an important actor. Germany is focusing on academic exchange and exchange of students and researchers. Germany is also trying to enhance cooperation with regard to civil society, schools, NGOs and sports; football remains the top focus, which they want to import. German automobile companies are interested in producing low-cost cars here for Bangladeshi middle class. Germany has also ensured continued support to repatriate Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh has called upon the international community, including Germany, for mounting more pressure on Myanmar’s government to take back its Rohingya nationals from Bangladesh. She particularly requested German Ambassador to play active role in repatriation of the forcibly evicted Rohingyas during German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and development Dr Gerd Muller courtesy call on her at official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka.

German Minister also visited Rohingya camps to chalk out meaningful measures compelling Myanmar for safe, dignified and sustainable return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. After visiting the camps , the German Development Minister said they will suspend all development cooperation with Myanmar until the country ensures the safe repatriation Rohingya refugees.  Gerd Muller disclosed that Germany will provide 15 million euros in additional funding for education and sanitation measures to help the Rohingya refugees living in the camps in Bangladesh as well as the communities hosting them.