Talks focus on democracy, anti-corruption efforts, trade, investment, referendum and implementation of July Charter

Diplomatic Desk: Singapore has expressed interest in further strengthening its bilateral relations with Bangladesh and expanding cooperation in trade, investment and development initiatives.

Singapore`s non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, conveyed this interest during a courtesy meeting with Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman MP at the latter`s official residence at 29 Minto Road in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The meeting, held at 10:30am on November 3, took place in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, with discussions covering Bangladesh`s current political and economic situation, anti-corruption efforts, industrial and commercial development, democratic progress, the proposed referendum, implementation of the July National Charter and other necessary state reforms.

During the discussion, High Commissioner Derek Loh highly appreciated the positive role of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in the country`s economic development and democratic progress.

He also expressed optimism about further strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Singapore, expanding bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities for development initiatives in both countries.

The discussions came at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to advance its economic development, strengthen democratic institutions and pursue institutional reforms.

The Singaporean delegation included Chargé d`Affaires Philip Ong and Mrithini T.G. Gritharan, Country Officer at the South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa Directorate of Singapore`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the Bangladesh side, Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair, Opposition Leader`s Foreign Affairs Adviser Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman MP and member of the Opposition Leader`s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee Ali Ahmad Mabrur were present.

The meeting highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and cooperation between Bangladesh and Singapore, particularly in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, trade and investment.