Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh and Sweden on Thursday discussed moving the RMG product line of the former vertically, as has been evident from European market demand.

Bangladesh also suggested to explore possibilities of bringing in Swedish brand IKEA’s manufacturing to the country, especially in wood-based products.

The Swedish side apprised that while IKEA is already sourcing fabric based products, they would take it up with stakeholders to chart out further opportunities in manufacturing and warehousing in Bangladesh.

Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, paid an introductory courtesy call on Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and discussed the issues.

The Swedish Ambassador expressed his deep condolences, at the very outset, towards the martyrs of the July-August student-led mass uprising.

He underscored Sweden’s strong support to the Interim Government and their readiness to support the injured.

The Adviser welcomed the proposal and informed about the Interim Government’s initiatives in ensuring treatments for the injured.

He shared that reform is the cornerstone of the Interim Government’s mandate, based on the will of the masses. Hossain highlighted that people and media are free to express their opinions whatsoever, unlike during the fallen regime’s tenure.

Overall, the change from the very political culture of arrest and brutal exclusion of the opposition to a democratic one is what the Interim Government is working towards, said the foreign adviser.

The ambassador also reiterated continued Swedish support for the Rohingyas and opined to explore other avenues to meet the growing needs therein.

The foreign adviser took note of it and called for continued support in ending this protracted crisis.