A European Union (EU) delegation undertook a visit to the northern part of the country from February 22 to 23 under the aegis of Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, a Foreign Ministry press release said yesterday.
The Foreign Minister took them to three northern districts of Nilphamari, Dinajpur and Panchagarh under the ‘Visit Bangladesh’ programme.
The EU delegation, led by Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation Pierre Mayaudon, comprised British High Commissioner Alison Blake, Ambassadors of Germany Dr. Thomas Prinz, Leoni Margaretha Cuelenaere of the Netherlands and Mikael Hemniti Winther of Denmark.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised this field trip as part of ‘Visit Bangladesh’ programme for the diplomats to see for themselves the changes that the northern districts of the country have undergone in the last seven or more years, especially in terms of connectivity including roads, bridges, railways, electricity and socio-economic development.
On Wednesday, the delegation visited Uttara EPZ in Nilphamari, one of the growing EPZs of the country. The delegation was briefed by the EPZ authorities about the impact the EPZ is having in socio-economic condition of the area, especially in uplifting the women through their employment. Although it is situated away from land or sea ports, the overall cost of doing business is lower in this EPZ. They also took the delegation to visit a leather goods factory.
Later, the delegation visited Khansama Upazila complex and met with the Chairmen of upazila and union parishads. Officials of upazila administration were also present. They visited Haque-er Haat Community Health Clinic and saw local level health services delivery- an exemplary health service delivery programme initiated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the people in rural areas all over Bangladesh. The first day ended with visit to a Litchi garden, which Dinajpur is famous for, and historic tourist site ‘Ramsagar’.
The delegation was due to visit UNESCO heritage site Kantajew temple and tea gardens in Panchagarh yesterday.