The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A German parliamentary delegation of the Committee for Economic Cooperation and Development led by Thilo Hoppe MP yesterday said free and fair elections and observance of human rights are most important for German development cooperation with Bangladesh.

"We've heard that situation has improved considerably and the country is on the right track in preparation of free and fair elections," Hoppe told reporters after a meeting with Foreign Affairs Advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at state guesthouse Padma. In reply to a question, he said for German development cooperation democracy and observance of human rights are very important and so, the elections are important. "We've no doubt that they will take place this year," he said.

The 4-member delegation now visiting the country is holding meetings with both government and opposition leaders and officials to get information about the status of German economic development cooperation in Bangladesh. Asked if Germany would increase its development aid in Bangladesh, Hoppe said, "We do advocate an increase with regard to quantity and quality of economic cooperation to make contributions to the economic growth of Bangladesh so it benefits the minority and the poorest of the poor."

The delegation will also hold meetings with NGOs working in the fields of human rights and indigenous people in the country. Foreign Advisor Iftekhar said they had a very useful meeting discussing expansion of trade, energy policies, social transformation and economic development, aviation industry and future relationships. He said Germany is a close friend of Bangladesh and a major development and trade partner in Europe.