Germany emphasises political reconciliation to come out of present crisis in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh government should start a constructive dialogue with stakeholders concerned to come out of the present crisis and restore peace and stability in the country, said German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Tröster.

He expressed this view while speaking at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) at the city hotel yesterday (31 July).

Germany has expressed deep concern at the loss of lives and the persons injured in the recent student movement over quota issue in the government jobs and demanded an impartial investigation into the incident to bring the real culprits to the book.

Laying emphasis on the political reconciliation, Achim Tröster has expressed the hope that political parties of Bangladesh should engage in constructive dialogue to strengthen democracy.

 As Germany considers Bangladesh as a development partner, Achim Tröster clearly said that Germany does not have geopolitical or strategical interest like some regional or western powers have.

Achim Tröster also said the political parties should understand the mindset of students and the youth of Bangladesh as the demographic dividend shows that a substantial portion of the population belongs to that group.

He said Germany expects that rule of law, human rights and democracy should be ensured in Bangladesh in line with Western values.

While mentioning his meeting with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina at her residence on Tuesday, Achim Tröster said that he has communicated the position of his country to the Bangladesh government.

He also said that Bangladesh will have to ensure human rights, rule of law, sound labour and environment standards and good governance to enjoy trade privileges in the Germany market in the days to come.

Germany is the largest trading partner of Bangladesh in Europe and the second largest globally.  Readymade garment exports to Germany stood at 5.95 billion US dollars in FY20-21 as against 6.97 billion earning from the USA market.

By 2026, Bangladesh will be upgraded to a middle income country and is likely to experience several challenges including high tariffs in the EU markets.

However, Bangladeshi exporters may get trade privileges including GSP plus up to 2029 in Germany, provided Bangladeshi exporters ensure human rights, rule of law, sound labour and environment standards and good governance.

On June 11th, 2021, the German parliament passed the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) – also known as the Supply Chain Act. The new German Supply Chain Act, which will come into force on January 1, 2023, primarily focuses on human rights issues, but also includes environmental considerations.

President of BGCCI M Maksud, Senior Vice President Mohammad Ershad Hussain and  Treasurer Adnan Md Iqbal, among others, spoke on the occasion.