French Ambassador to Bangladesh Sophie Aubert paid a farewell call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam at the Bangladesh Parliament today.

State Minister mentioned that France is not only the development partner, but also a very good friend since the inception of independent Bangladesh in 1971. He mentioned that there are immense potentials in the bilateral trade and investment sector. He thanked the departing French Ambassador for her constructive role in taking the Bangladesh-France relations to a newer height during her tenure in Dhaka.

French Ambassador expressed hope that many projects which have been launched between Bangladesh and France including Bangabandhu Satellite, will continue and emphasized on continued strengthening of bilateral relations.

During the meeting, State Minister expressed concern at the disproportionate actions by the Myanmar military in the recent past on the Rohingya population of Rakhine State. He referred to the atrocities as ethnic cleansing in the Rakhine State, which has been identified as possible crimes against humanity by UN agencies and International Human Rights bodies. He conveyed that Bangladesh wants Myanmar to take back their nationals by creating a safe and dignified situation in Rakhine State. He sought full support of the French government to raise voice, at the international level, against the oppression on Rohingya community by Myanmar military.

Terming the recent situation in Rakhine State as ‘cleansing’, the Ambassador shared that they are fully aware of the issue and highly appreciated the Bangladesh’s role in this regard.

The French Ambassador thanked the State Minister for Foreign Affairs for extending all-out support and cooperation during her tenure in Bangladesh.