Bangladesh and the Netherlands have discussed strengthening bilateral trade and investment, exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), and expanding cooperation in water resources management, with the Dutch government expressing interest in supporting a feasibility study for the Teesta project.

The issues were discussed when Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, leading a delegation, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

During the meeting, both sides stressed the scope for closer cooperation in areas including transboundary river management, land reclamation, char development, climate-resilient river management, agriculture and economic development.

The Netherlands expressed interest in providing technical assistance and sharing expertise for the Teesta project feasibility study, which the Bangladesh government welcomed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh and the Netherlands, as two delta countries, had significant opportunities to work together by addressing shared challenges and exchanging experiences. He expressed particular interest in the Netherlands’ experience in land reclamation.

Sjoerdsma emphasised knowledge-sharing and cooperation in water resources management, land reclamation, char development and climate-resilient river management.

Trade relations and the possibility of an FTA with the EU also featured in the discussions. The Dutch minister expressed interest in free trade, while Bangladesh sought the Netherlands’ support in exploring the prospects of concluding an FTA with the EU.

The Dutch minister also enquired about Bangladesh’s initiatives to address its ongoing energy crisis and praised the country’s plans for renewable energy.

The Rohingya crisis was another key issue discussed at the meeting. Bangladesh reiterated its position that the crisis originated in Myanmar and that a sustainable solution must also be found there.

Bangladesh wants to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening diplomatic efforts at bilateral and multilateral levels to resolve the crisis.

The Netherlands also expressed interest in extending cooperation in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, with discussions focusing on the scope for utilising Dutch experience and technical expertise to support the sector.

The meeting also covered the consolidation of democracy and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as a political party, had itself been a victim of human rights violations in the past. Drawing on that experience, he said his government was committed to protecting and strengthening human rights in the country.

At the end of the meeting, Sjoerdsma invited the Prime Minister to visit the Netherlands.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel and relevant officials were present at the meeting.