Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called upon Norway to consider transforming Bangladesh into a regional distribution hub for Norwegian products and to increase investments in the country, capitalising on Bangladesh’s burgeoning youth workforce.
"Utilise Bangladesh as a base for distributing your products across Asia, reducing the need to bring personnel from Norway and instead employing our young people," Professor Yunus conveyed to Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen during a meeting on Sunday (12 January).
Highlighting the success story of Grameenphone, a subsidiary of the Norwegian telecom giant Telenor, Yunus noted its evolution into the most profitable venture within the Telenor group.
Ambassador Gulbrandsen presented a letter from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, expressing strong support for Bangladesh’s Interim Government and its reform initiatives.
"The prime minister extends his robust support for your efforts to implement essential reforms and facilitate free and fair democratic elections," the ambassador conveyed.
He also acknowledged Bangladesh’s interim government’s dedication to safeguarding human rights and promoting environmental sustainability.
Gulbrandsen emphasised Norway's interest in collaborating with Bangladesh on the ship recycling industry and the transition to green energy.
Yunus also sought Norway's assistance in addressing the Rohingya crisis amidst the changing political landscape in Myanmar.
"Norway has historically played a significant role in peacekeeping. We require your assistance in resolving the Rohingya crisis," Yunus asserted.
He informed the ambassador of the government's intention to ensure the next general election in Bangladesh is both historic and exemplary.
"We aim to set a historical precedent with this election," he remarked.
Gulbrandsen further mentioned Norway's keenness to collaborate with Bangladesh on global platforms concerning the Palestinian issue, international tax, and plastic pollution.
Norway’s Deputy Head of Mission in Dhaka, Marrianne Rabe Knaevelsrud, expressed her country's gratitude to Bangladesh for supporting the Norwegian-led UN resolution on humanitarian access in Palestine.
