Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Juris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday morning at the opposition leader’s official residence at 29 Minto Road in the capital. The meeting was also attended by embassy First Secretary for Political Affairs Jawad Azaoui and Senior Political Adviser Lubain Chowdhury Masum.

According to a Jamaat press release, the participants held open discussions on Bangladesh’s current political situation, democracy, human rights, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, and trade and economic cooperation. Dr Shafiqur praised Dutch government initiatives supporting Bangladesh’s economic development, climate-related challenges and Rohingya refugees.

The Dutch ambassador praised the opposition’s constructive and positive role in parliament. He stressed the importance of political stability and regular dialogue between the government and opposition to ensure Bangladesh’s development and investment. Both sides expressed hope that the existing friendly relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands would be strengthened further. After the meeting, the opposition leader showed the ambassador graffiti related to the July movement at the residence.