The newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Rüdiger Lotz, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday to discuss the upcoming national election, trade, investment and overall cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, which began around 10:30 am, lasted about an hour at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, according to BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Acting Chairman’s Adviser on International Affairs Humayun Kabir, and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaid were also present.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khasru said discussions focused on future cooperation between Bangladesh and Germany, not only in trade and investment but also in cultural exchange and skills development.

“We talked about how to work together in skills development and how to expand current trade relations,” he said, adding that both sides also explored ways to increase German investment in Bangladesh.
Khasru highlighted BNP’s plan to create 10 million jobs within 18 months if it comes to power, emphasizing skills development as central to achieving this goal. “People need the right skills for different sectors.

We are giving special attention to technology and artificial intelligence because, without them, the economy cannot move forward. In this field, Germany’s support is very important,” he said.

He noted that Germany has already invested in China and India and now sees Bangladesh as a promising destination for future investment. “We expect more German investment in Bangladesh since they have both the initiatives and the interest,” Khasru said. He added that BNP has sent its investment environment improvement plans to all embassies.

On the political situation, Khasru said Germany, like other countries, is waiting for a free, fair, and credible election in Bangladesh. “They want the election held soon so that an elected government can take office and make short-, medium-, and long-term decisions. They are all waiting for an elected government and parliament formed through a fair and widely accepted election that will be accountable to the people,” he said.
Responding to questions about three foreign envoys meeting an Awami League leader, Khasru said BNP is not concerned about where diplomats meet or whom they meet.

“Such meetings are not important in politics. Many meetings happen that people don’t even know about. What really matters is restoring democracy in Bangladesh,” he said.

Referring to the July Charter, Khasru explained, “Whether it is called a referendum, reform, or consensus commission, we will move forward with the issues we agree on. If there is no agreement, every political party has the right to take those matters to the people. There is nothing more to discuss beyond that.”

He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh, not any political leader or party, have the final say in deciding the country’s future. “If there is agreement, that’s good; if not, let the people decide in the next election. No party has the right to impose its will on others,” he said.

On BNP’s election candidates, Khasru said the party will make careful decisions. “It is normal for a large party to have many interested candidates, but once the nominations are finalised, everyone will work together. We will announce the final list at the right time,” he added.