Message from Chargé d’Affaires

Today, on the 3rd of October 2014, we commemorate the anniversary of Germany's reunification. In 1989 hundred-thousands of peaceful protestors demonstrated for freedom and democracy in East Germany. They demanded free and fair elections, asked for a more liberal government and the possibility to leave East Germany on their own terms. What started as a call for freedom turned into a demand for the reunification of Germany. This claim was summed up by the creed "Wir sind das Volk, Wir sind ein Volk" - "we are the people, we are one people". This year we also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. After years of personal suffering and thousands of family tragedies the Wall came finally down in 1989 and Germany was eventually reunited in 1990. Finally we were one single country again, not only unified by a mutual government and border, but by the collective will and the peaceful spirit of its people. Today we celebrate this unique moment in our history, we honor the people who courageously took the risks to demand for a peaceful transition towards a unified Germany and we remember their enormous sacrifice. We thank the people who wrote this wonderful chapter in German history.
The political ties between Bangladesh and Germany have been strong from their inception in 1972. We were one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh as an independent nation. Since then our mutual cooperation has thrived. Our two countries act jointly in order to find sustainable solutions for global challenges such as poverty reduction, international peacekeeping and climate change. Our country is not only represented in Bangladesh by this Embassy, but also by numerous German Organizations.
The track record of the Goethe Institute, the German cultural institution established in already in 1961 in Dhaka, is very impressing. The number of language courses is on the rise and by organizing interesting events, such as plays and exhibition, films and discussions the Goethe Institute is showcasing German Culture in Bangladesh.
In the last few years the demand for studying in Germany has risen tremendously. The number of student visas for young scholars significantly increased over the last few years. Germany offers a world-class education, Master courses in English and renowned university research facilities, without any tuition fee. Furthermore potential students are eligible to apply for DAAD scholarships to support their live in Germany. With open arms we welcome highly qualified Bangladeshi students.
German Development Cooperation has been very active in Bangladesh ever since. The different projects are implemented by BGR, the Federal Institute for Geoscience and Natural Ressources, GIZ, the German development agency and KfW, German Development Bank. By focusing on the three priorities "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency", "Good Governance" and "Adaptation to Climate Change in urban areas" German development cooperation is supporting the citizens of this country. For many years already Germany has been supporting the RMG-sector to improve social and environmental standards.
Last but not least let me emphasize that German companies are keen on investing in Bangladesh and increase our mutual trade volume. Germany and Bangladesh have an annual trade volume of more than 4 billion Euros. Our business cooperation is facilitated by the Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) to encourage trade between our two countries. I am certain that our economic relations will increase even more in the next few years. The outlook is very positive, the opportunities are manifold - we have to seize them!
Looking back on the last four decades, I strongly believe that we can be proud of our common achievements. Germany will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh. I look forward to doing my part in strengthening our ties in the upcoming years.
In celebrating the Day of German Unity I extend my cordial greetings to the people of Bangladesh as well as to my fellow countrymen residing in this country.

Dr. Ferdinand Von Weyhe
Chargé d'Affaires
Embassy of Germany in Bangladesh