Diplomatic Desk:
Norway has pledged to continue its support for the development of parliamentary democracy and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh. Discussions also covered strengthening mutual cooperation, including the repatriation of the Rohingya, the exchange of parliamentary delegation visits, and the formation of a parliamentary friendship group between the two nations.
These topics were discussed on Sunday (November 1) when the Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Haakon Arald Gulbrandsen, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad (Bir Bikram), MP, at the National Parliament House.
During the meeting, the Speaker noted that friendly relations between Bangladesh and Norway have flourished since the Great Liberation War of 1971. As one of the world’s established democracies, Norway has consistently supported the development of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.
Referring to recent political shifts in Bangladesh, the Speaker stated that over the past 17 years, the democratic rights of the people were undermined, and parliamentary democracy was obstructed through farcical elections. A climate of fear was cultivated in the country through enforced disappearances, murders, acts of terror, and extrajudicial killings. Prominent opposition leaders of that time, including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, were subjected to repeated imprisonment.
The Speaker highlighted that the autocratic regime came to an end following the mass uprising in July 2024, marking the resumption of the country’s democratic journey. He described the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as one that promises to be among the most credible in the nation’s history, noting that the current government, formed through this process, is committed to fulfilling the democratic aspirations of the people.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the Speaker emphasized that ensuring the safe repatriation of the Rohingya population requires effective support from the international community, alongside the efforts of the Bangladesh government. In this regard, Norway and other European nations could play a significant role.
Norwegian Ambassador Haakon Arald Gulbrandsen commended Bangladesh’s long-standing contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions. He remarked that by deploying peacekeepers to UN missions, Bangladesh has played a commendable role in establishing global peace. He reiterated that Norway remains fully prepared to support the development of parliamentary democracy and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the formation of a parliamentary friendship group between the two countries, the exchange of parliamentary delegation visits, and the Nobel Peace Prize—in recognition of Bangladesh’s significant contributions toward establishing global peace. Furthermore, both sides exchanged views on the ongoing activities of the Constitution Amendment Committee and the ‘July Charter.’
The Speaker also invited Norwegian companies to invest in oil and gas exploration and extraction in Bangladesh’s coastal regions, including the area near Bhola.
Representatives from the Norwegian Embassy, the Secretary of the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat, and other relevant senior officials were present during the meeting.
