PM Welcomes Dutch Interest in Conducting Feasibility Study for Teesta Project

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday welcomed the Netherlands’ interest in conducting a feasibility study for the Teesta project and providing technical expertise and assistance for its implementation.

He expressed the interest during a meeting with a Dutch delegation led by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, according to PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

The discussions covered ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, the possibility of a free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), water resources management, renewable energy, agricultural cooperation, human rights and the Rohingya crisis.

Tarique Rahman noted that Bangladesh and the Netherlands, both delta nations, had significant opportunities to collaborate by addressing shared challenges and exchanging expertise. He particularly highlighted Bangladesh’s interest in learning from Dutch experience in land reclamation.

Sjoerdsma emphasised the importance of expanding knowledge-sharing and strengthening bilateral cooperation in water resources management, land reclamation, char development and climate-resilient river management.

The Dutch minister said the current period presented an ideal opportunity to deepen relations between the two countries through increased investment and cooperation, particularly in water management, transboundary river management, democracy and economic development.

Trade relations also featured prominently in the discussions. While Sjoerdsma expressed interest in expanding free trade, Bangladesh sought Dutch support in exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement with the EU.

The Dutch minister also sought information about the government's measures to address Bangladesh's ongoing energy crisis and praised its plans to expand renewable energy.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh reiterated that the problem originated in Myanmar and that a lasting solution must be achieved there. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic engagement at bilateral and multilateral levels to resolve the crisis.

The Netherlands also expressed interest in expanding agricultural cooperation with Bangladesh, offering to draw on its technological expertise and experience in the sector.

The meeting further addressed democratic consolidation and human rights protection in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had itself faced human rights violations in the past and that his government was committed to protecting and strengthening human rights based on those experiences.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Sjoerdsma invited the prime minister to visit the Netherlands.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel and relevant officials were also present.