Bangladesh and Germany have emphasised the importance of sustained international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis and expressed interest in advancing discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU).

A delegation from the German-South Asian Parliamentary Group, which visited Bangladesh recently, reaffirmed continued international backing to resolve the ongoing Rohingya crisis and maintain pressure on Myanmar.

The delegation led by Nicklas Kappe (CDU/CSU), wrapped up a three-day visit to Bangladesh from September 17–19.

The visit underscored Europe's growing recognition of Bangladesh as a relevant geoeconomic partner and explored ways for deeper trade integration and energy sector development, said the German Embassy in Dhaka.

During meetings with Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation discussed Bangladesh’s political and economic developments, trade and investment opportunities, climate change and the Rohingya crisis.

Talks also focused on mitigating Bangladesh’s current energy challenges, including opportunities for a possible cooperation in the extraction of natural gas in Bhola, said the Embassy on Monday.

On the commercial front, the delegation visited leading German industrial ventures in Bangladesh, including Heidelberg Materials, CHT, Siegwerk, and toured the Meghna Industrial Economic Zone (MIEZ) in Narayanganj.

The visit provided an opportunity to see first-hand how German companies are contributing to Bangladesh’s manufacturing and industrial landscape.

The delegation praised Bangladesh’s vast consumer market and competitive labour force while addressing local operational hurdles.

Beyond trade, the delegation highlighted democratic inclusion and social progress.

The Speaker briefed the German parliamentarians on women's political representation, while Deputy Chair Ulle Schauws engaged with leading local women rights and environmental NGOs to support sustainable social development.