German lawmaker discusses polls, energy projects during Bangladesh visit

Member of the German Bundestag (Parliament), Mr Mijatovic, representing the Green Party, during his recent visit to Bangladesh, discussed the current situation in Bangladesh, including preparations for the upcoming elections. 

He was also interested in the country's economic development and energy projects, especially the potential for renewable energy in the region, said a spokesman of the German Embassy on Thursday.. 

Additionally, he was visiting Bangladesh to examine the regional implications of the conflict in Myanmar, to bring these issues back to the international agenda. To this end, he subsequently travelled to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

His agenda focused on bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on education, supply chains, environmental concerns, working conditions, and the situation of refugees and host communities.

Mr Mijatovic also discussed with Honourable Labour Adviser, M. Sakhawat Hussain, issues surrounding global supply chains. He was eager to engage in dialogue on these matters, particularly given his previous statements on labour migration and working conditions in the Gulf region. Finally, they conferred about challenges associated with shipbreaking and its many related problems.

Mr Mijatovic explored Bangladesh's textile industry through a program organised by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), gaining insights into one of the country's key economic sectors and discussed possible measures to improve working conditions with representatives from civil society and university students from BRAC University. 

During his visit, Mr Mijatovic travelled to Cox's Bazar, where he visited Rohingya refugee camps and engaged with relevant stakeholders to better understand the humanitarian challenges and ongoing relief operations in the region, the spokesman said. 

 mirmostafiz@yahoo.com