By Maksuda Lisa (Dhaka Bureau),
The Netherlands has expressed interest in providing technical assistance for the feasibility study and implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. Discussions were also held on expanding bilateral cooperation regarding a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), the modernization of the agricultural and jute sectors, renewable energy, port management, and a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
These issues came to the forefront during a courtesy meeting between a visiting Dutch delegation, led by the Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Schurd Schurdsma, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday (October 13). Shahadat Shadhin, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, briefed journalists on the outcomes of the meeting.
Technical Support for the Teesta Project
The Teesta Master Plan is a vital initiative to address river erosion, flooding, and water scarcity during dry seasons in northern Bangladesh. The Dutch Minister offered expert knowledge and technical assistance for conducting the project’s feasibility study and implementation, which Bangladesh warmly welcomed. Praising the Netherlands’ extensive experience in river management, water conservation, and land reclamation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences to tackle shared challenges.
Expanding Trade and Partnership with the EU
To maintain Bangladesh’s competitive export edge in European markets following its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the Dutch Minister held a separate meeting with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir to discuss a potential EU-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Discussions also covered Dutch investment and technology exchange in agricultural technology, high-quality seeds, and the diversified production of eco-friendly jute and jute goods.
Other Areas of Bilateral Cooperation
The talks also touched upon the modernization of fertilizer factories, renewable energy (particularly solar power), port infrastructure development (such as the Laldia Terminal), and leveraging the expertise of the Dutch research institute Deltares for integrated water management. Furthermore, both sides reiterated that the ultimate solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar, stressing the need to strengthen international diplomatic efforts for their safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dutch Minister Schurd Schurdsma formally invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the Netherlands.
Maksuda Lisa:
Maksuda Lisa is a senior journalist and one of Bangladesh’s early-generation women sports journalists, with 18 years of experience working across leading national newspapers, including Dainik Banglabazar and Manab Zamin, as well as television, print media, and online news portals. She is currently a Staff Correspondent at Pressenza International Press Agency (Dhaka Bureau).
She is the first woman elected Sports Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and served two consecutive terms. Alongside journalism, she has been actively involved in cricket-particularly women’s cricket- through team management, coaching, and organizational roles. She served as a Liaison Officer at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2014, Manager of the Pink Team in the BCB Women’s Cricket Cup, and Manager of the Dhaka Abahani women’s team.
A former first-class cricketer with a 15-year competitive career, she represented Dhaka and Sylhet Divisions at the competitive level. She is currently a National Panel Umpire with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Organising Secretary of the Bangladesh Women Cricketers Association (BWCA). She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.