Diplomatic Desk:
Derek Loh, the non-resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the National Parliament House on Tuesday (November 3, 2026).
During the meeting, the two sides held productive discussions on the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Singapore, the development of economic and trade infrastructure—specifically the Bay Terminal project in Chattogram—a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the enhancement of cybersecurity capabilities, and the modernization of the Bangladesh Police.
The Singaporean High Commissioner discussed the progress regarding an investment of approximately $800 million to $1 billion USD by the Singapore Port Authority (PSA International) for the development and operation of the Bay Terminal at the Chattogram Port. He affirmed PSA’s readiness to implement the project, noting that its completion would significantly reduce shipping costs for Bangladesh, which would, in turn, positively impact the overall well-being of workers in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. The Minister suggested that further discussions on this matter be held with the Ministry of Shipping, ‘Invest Bangladesh,’ and the Chattogram Port Authority.
The High Commissioner stated that negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore are in the final stages. The Minister expressed his hope for its swift implementation to boost trade and investment potential between the two nations.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed requested training and capacity-building support for the Bangladesh Police to address cybersecurity, digital fraud, and scams. Highlighting the ongoing process of establishing a new ‘Police Cyber Unit’—to be led by an Additional IGP—within the Bangladesh Police, he expressed interest in leveraging Singapore’s experience and expertise. The Singaporean delegation responded positively, pledging support for training and joint cyber investigations.
The High Commissioner also proposed offering opportunities for Bangladeshi government officials and young Members of Parliament to participate in experience-sharing visits and specialized training programs in Singapore under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP)—a proposal that the Minister welcomed. During the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening mutual cooperation and partnership between the two friendly nations in the future.
Notably, at the beginning of the meeting, the Home Minister welcomed the High Commissioner of Singapore. The High Commissioner extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Singapore at a convenient time.
Also present during the meeting were Philip Ong, Chargé d’Affaires at the Singapore High Commission; Wong Tze Ping, Regional Head of PSA International; Benjamin Chue, Representative for South Asia at Enterprise Singapore; Mrithini Thyagarajan, Desk Officer at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as well as relevant officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
