Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh Derek Loh paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office on Monday afternoon.
During the meeting, fruitful discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest, including the law-and-order and security situations, enhancing the professional training, skills and capacity-building of Bangladesh Police, cyber security, sharing of mutual information to combat transnational terrorism and extremism, expansion of trade and investment, and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
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During the meeting, the Home Minister said, "The relationship between Bangladesh and Singapore is deep-rooted and multifaceted. This bilateral relationship is built on a solid foundation of mutual interests, cooperation, and friendship. At both international and regional levels, both countries share identical views and perspectives on issues of mutual interest."
Echoing his sentiments, the High Commissioner said Bangladesh and Singapore are highly trusted and friendly nations.
Singapore is ready to extend all kinds of technological and training support to enhance the professional skills and capacity of law enforcement agencies, including the Bangladesh Police, he said.
To materialise this goal, a delegation of senior police officers from Bangladesh could be sent to Singapore, Derek LOH said.
The High Commissioner further informed that under the "Singapore Cooperation Programme" aimed at capacity building for developing countries, Singapore organises around 300 meetings, seminars, specialised training sessions, and workshops throughout the year, in which Bangladesh can also participate.
Salahuddin welcomed Singapore's offer of assistance in enhancing police skills and capacity. Along with training, he sought Singapore's policy cooperation in the overall police reform process of Bangladesh.
Pointing out that various online scams, phishing, and cybercrimes are steadily rising in the current global context, he said, "To combat these modern crimes and prevent cybercrime, the highest priority should be given to the regular exchange of experience and technology between the two countries."
During the meeting, High Commissioner Derek Loh emphasised real-time information sharing between the two countries to combat transnational terrorism and extremism.
In this regard, the Home Minister firmly stated that the current government of Bangladesh is very strict in countering extremism and terrorism and maintains a 'zero-tolerance' policy.
Regarding mutual legal assistance, he mentioned that on 22 February 2024, the government of Bangladesh sent a proposal to Singapore for an agreement on "Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters."
Once final consent is received from the Singaporean side, both countries will be able to sign this agreement at the earliest, which will significantly bolster mutual cooperation in curbing crime.
The High Commissioner highly lauded the emerging economic potential of Bangladesh and expressed Singapore’s interest in investing and cooperating in various critical infrastructural sectors, including health, education, power, housing, and traffic congestion mitigation.
The Home Minister urged public and private entrepreneurs from Singapore to seize the full benefits of Bangladesh's current business-friendly and investment-conducive policies to become larger partners in Bangladesh's economic development.