Speaker Seeks Norwegian Support for Rohingya Repatriation, Gas Exploration

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, has called for Norway’s active cooperation and investment to ensure the swift and safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh, as well as for oil and gas exploration in Bhola and offshore maritime areas.
He made the request during a courtesy meeting with Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, at the parliament office on Sunday (November 1).

The Speaker noted that friendly relations between Bangladesh and Norway have strengthened since the 1971 Liberation War. Describing Norway as a leading global democracy, he acknowledged its continuous support for the development of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s democratic journey, the Speaker said democratic rights were severely undermined during the past 17 years of rule. Stage-managed elections blocked the path of parliamentary democracy, while enforced disappearances, killings, and extrajudicial executions created instability. Top opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, were imprisoned multiple times. However, the July 2024 mass uprising reopened the path for democratic progress.

Describing the 13th National Parliamentary Election as one of the most credible in the nation’s history, the Speaker stated that the current government is working tirelessly to fulfill the democratic aspirations of the people. He added that Bangladesh continues to play a leading role in safeguarding global human rights.
Addressing the Rohingya crisis, the Speaker emphasized the need for strong support from the international community to facilitate their return to Myanmar, noting that Norway and other European nations could provide effective assistance.

Norwegian Ambassador Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen praised Bangladesh’s long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, commending the exemplary role of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in global peace initiatives. He assured that Norway will continue its support for strengthening parliamentary democracy and protecting human rights in Bangladesh.

The bilateral meeting covered key discussions on forming a parliamentary friendship group, exchanging parliamentary delegations, and recognizing global peace contributions such as the Nobel Peace Prize. Views were also exchanged on the ongoing Constitution Reform Committee activities and the July Charter.
During the meeting, the Speaker invited Norwegian companies to explore and extract oil and natural gas in Bhola and across Bangladesh’s coastal regions.

Senior representatives from the Norwegian Embassy and high-ranking officials from the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present at the meeting.