Bangladesh, France discuss infrastructure, rural development cooperation

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Châtaigner paid a courtesy call on Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the minister's office in the Secretariat on Sunday, April 5.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on further expanding existing bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and France and the progress of ongoing development projects.

The minister said France is an important development partner of Bangladesh. He expressed hope that areas of cooperation between the two countries would expand further in the future. He particularly emphasised increasing partnership in rural development, infrastructure and rural connectivity.

He further said France could play an effective role in developing inter-connectivity among the country's underdeveloped districts. He also highlighted the development needs and various problems of these regions before the ambassador.

The French ambassador praised the existing cooperative relations with Bangladesh and said France is keen to make this relationship more far-reaching. France wants to be a partner in Bangladesh's development journey, and they are optimistic about strengthening cooperation, particularly in rural connectivity development and safe water supply.

Senior officials of the ministry, including Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan and Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Moha. Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, along with representatives of concerned departments, were present at the meeting.