Staff Reporter :
The Swiss government has expressed its commitment to collaborate with Bangladesh in repatriating illegal funds deposited by Bangladeshi nationals in Swiss banks, in line with international standards and procedures.
This assurance was given by Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh, Reto Siegfried Renggli, during a meeting with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the discussions, Adviser Hossain sought Switzerland’s assistance in identifying and recovering illegal assets held in Swiss banks by certain Bangladeshi individuals.
The Swiss Ambassador acknowledged the recent
student-led mass uprising in Bangladesh, describing it as an opportunity for widespread reforms, and pledged the Swiss government’s support for these reform efforts.
The foreign adviser emphasised the Interim Government’s decisive actions, including the formation of several commissions aimed at addressing such issues. Both parties also expressed satisfaction over Bangladesh’s recent accession to the UN Convention on Enforced Disappearance and agreed to further cooperation on promoting human rights.
Boosting Trade and Investment On the subject of trade and investment, Ambassador Renggli highlighted Bangladesh’s significant potential as a market and emphasised the need for greater private sector engagement.
He urged for a level playing field to attract new Swiss investments. Foreign Adviser Hossain underscored the potential of Bangladesh’s youth, particularly in the ICT sector, and called for Swiss support in fostering entrepreneurship and employment to boost economic growth.
The Swiss Ambassador expressed eagerness to collaborate in this area.
Rohingya Crisis and Humanitarian Aid Both sides also addressed the ongoing Rohingya crisis, agreeing that the repatriation of displaced Rohingya to Myanmar, with guaranteed safety, security, and rights, remains the only viable solution.
Ambassador Renggli assured continued humanitarian support from Switzerland for the Rohingyas and the host communities in Cox’s Bazar.
During the meeting, Ambassador Renggli handed over an official congratulatory message from the Swiss Federal Councilor to the foreign adviser, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Denmark’s Engagement on Key Issues In a separate meeting, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller met with Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain to discuss the Interim Government’s priorities, including human rights, good governance, green transition, and renewable energy.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in these areas.