Russia and Japan are paying a close attention to Bangladesh鈥檚 upcoming national election, viewing it as a critical factor for advancing bilateral cooperation, trade, and investment.
Both countries inquired about the upcoming elections and made it clear that they want to see a democratic transition and stability in Bangladesh before determining their next steps in engaging with the country, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member, told reporters following separate meetings with the ambassadors of Russia and Japan.
Russian ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin and Japanese ambassador Saida Shinichi on Sunday held separate meetings with BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chair鈥檚 office at Gulshan, Dhaka.
Citing ongoing geopolitical issues, Amir Khasru said international partners are concerned about maintaining stability in the region as no one wants to see instability in such a strategically important region.
鈥楴o one wants to see instability in this strategically important region, because if stability falters, not only Bangladesh but also the entire region would face insecurity, and no one would benefit,鈥� he said.
Khasru said that Russia showed interest in further strengthening partnerships in the energy sector.
The obstacles, including marketing challenges, trade facilitation issues, and barriers to bank transactions in enhancing bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Russia, were also discussed, he said.
According to the BNP leader, Russia has promised to work on simplifying these processes to enhance trade opportunities.
Regarding major Russian projects in Bangladesh, Khasru said the key Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant is now in its final stage, and the discussion with the Russian ambassador focused on how soon it can be completed and handed over, and on the possibility of grace period extensions depending on negotiations.
He said the Russian side was particularly interested in the timing of Bangladesh鈥檚 upcoming elections.
鈥楨veryone prefers working with an elected government 鈥� it provides comfort and clarity in decision-making,鈥� he said.
Regarding the meeting with the Japanese ambassador, Khasru said the discussion touched on Khaleda Zia鈥檚 health and her return to the country as well as on bilateral investment, trade, and the elections.
Japan has already made substantial investments in Bangladesh and has many plans for future projects, Khasru added
The discussion with the Japanese envoy focused on how to maintain the momentum of cooperation, especially given the high quality, low cost and favourable terms of Japanese investments, Khasru said.
