Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Haakon Arald Gulbrandsen paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in Dhaka on June 2, 2026. The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, covered bilateral issues including trade, renewable energy investment, climate change cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis. The minister expressed gratitude for Norway’s early recognition of Bangladesh in 1972 and its continued support for the country’s socio-economic development.

During the discussion, the ambassador praised Bangladesh’s recent progress and said Norway is shifting focus from traditional development aid to expanding trade and investment. The minister welcomed this approach, highlighting export diversification opportunities in pharmaceuticals, leather goods, IT services, jute, and handicrafts, and invited Norwegian investment in renewable energy, ICT, shipbuilding, and packaging sectors. He also emphasized collaboration through the Green Climate Fund and Norfund’s Climate Investment Fund.

The meeting acknowledged the contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Norway and discussed the Rohingya issue, with the minister urging stronger international efforts for safe and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to continued cooperation in international forums and bilateral development.