Edathy offers German cooperation in training law enforcers to combat terrorism
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Bangladesh can be a role model where Islam and democracy go together well and this is a signal for present global situation, leader of the German parliament team Sebastian Edathy said in the city Tuesday, reports UNB.
"Bangladesh is a country where majority of the people are of Muslim faith. Bangladesh can be one of the countries where we can say Islam and democracy go together very well and we need this as a signal for global situation that we have," he told a press conference at Zia International Airport capping his five-day visit to Bangladesh.
German Ambassador to Bangladesh Frank Meyke and other senior German officials were present at the press conference.
Edathy, who is the chairman of the German-South Asian Parliamentary Friendship Group, praised free, fair and transparent elections, saying this is a chance of Bangladesh for a fresh start not only for the country but also for relations between Bangladesh and Germany and the parliaments of the two countries.
He said the German parliamentary delegation has invited a 10-member all-party parliamentary delegation from Bangladesh to visit Germany in May or June to strengthen contacts between the German Bundestag and Bangladesh parliament.
In reply to a question about the dispute between the treasury and opposition benches over the seating arrangement in parliament, Edathy said if there is goodwill from both sides, they will be able to cooperate in productive manners.
"Our hope is that minor problems will be overcome soon to tackle the real problems," said the German parliamentarian who led a five-member delegation.
Asked about German cooperation in helping Bangladesh to combat terrorism, he said the issue of terrorism came up during the meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia and both agreed that terrorism is a challenge for the entire democratic system.
Edathy said if requested, the German government could render training to Bangladeshi law enforcers by German professional trainers and exchange knowledge about combating terrorism the way they support the governments of India and Pakistan.
Germany can also extend cooperation to Bangladesh in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy.
Asked about human rights situation in Bangladesh, the German parliamentarian said ensuring human rights is a sign of quality of democracy and hoped the new government here would ensure it so those who are weak are not put under pressure.
"Bangladesh is a country where majority of the people are of Muslim faith. Bangladesh can be one of the countries where we can say Islam and democracy go together very well and we need this as a signal for global situation that we have," he told a press conference at Zia International Airport capping his five-day visit to Bangladesh.
German Ambassador to Bangladesh Frank Meyke and other senior German officials were present at the press conference.
Edathy, who is the chairman of the German-South Asian Parliamentary Friendship Group, praised free, fair and transparent elections, saying this is a chance of Bangladesh for a fresh start not only for the country but also for relations between Bangladesh and Germany and the parliaments of the two countries.
He said the German parliamentary delegation has invited a 10-member all-party parliamentary delegation from Bangladesh to visit Germany in May or June to strengthen contacts between the German Bundestag and Bangladesh parliament.
In reply to a question about the dispute between the treasury and opposition benches over the seating arrangement in parliament, Edathy said if there is goodwill from both sides, they will be able to cooperate in productive manners.
"Our hope is that minor problems will be overcome soon to tackle the real problems," said the German parliamentarian who led a five-member delegation.
Asked about German cooperation in helping Bangladesh to combat terrorism, he said the issue of terrorism came up during the meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia and both agreed that terrorism is a challenge for the entire democratic system.
Edathy said if requested, the German government could render training to Bangladeshi law enforcers by German professional trainers and exchange knowledge about combating terrorism the way they support the governments of India and Pakistan.
Germany can also extend cooperation to Bangladesh in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy.
Asked about human rights situation in Bangladesh, the German parliamentarian said ensuring human rights is a sign of quality of democracy and hoped the new government here would ensure it so those who are weak are not put under pressure.