FM takes EU diplomats to northern Bangladesh visit

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has taken five Dhaka-based diplomats of the European countries to the northern districts as part of the foreign ministry’s ‘Visit Bangladesh’ programme.

Head of EU Delegation Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon is leading the delegation to the northern Bangladesh districts of Nilphamari, Dinajpur and Panchagarh.

Other members of the delegation include British High Commissioner Alison Blake, Ambassadors of Germany Dr Thomas Prinz, Leoni Margaretha Cuelenaere of the Netherlands and Mikael Hemniti Winther of Denmark.

The foreign ministry in a statement on Wednesday said the programme for the diplomats was to see for themselves the changes that the northern districts of the country have undergone in the last seven or more years especially in connectivity including roads, bridges, railways, electricity and socio-economic development.

The day one began with, the delegation visiting Uttara EPZ in Nilphamari, one of the growing EPZs.

The delegation was briefed by the EPZ authorities about the impact the EPZ is having in socio-economic condition of the area especially uplifting the women through employment.

Although it is situated away from land or sea port the overall cost of doing business is lower in this EPZ. They also took the delegation to visit a leather products factory.

The delegation also visited Khansama Upazila complex and met with the Chairmen of Upazila and Union Parishads.  Officials of Upazila administration were also present.

They visited the "Haque-er Haat" Community Health Clinic and saw local level health services delivery- an exemplary health service delivery programme initiated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the people in rural areas all over Bangladesh.

The first day ended with a visit to a Litchi garden which Dinajpur is famous for and historic tourist site "Ramsagar".

The delegation will visit UNESCO heritage site Kantajew Temple and tea gardens in Panchagarh on Thursday before concluding the visit.