German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz called on the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, at the Parliament Secretariat on Wednesday (September 16), reiterating Berlin's commitment to supporting the country's democratic consolidation, institutional reforms, and economic development.

During the bilateral courtesy meeting held at the Speaker's office, both dignitaries discussed expanding parliamentary diplomacy, forming joint parliamentary committees, and facilitating German investments in offshore energy exploration and sustainable infrastructure.

Welcoming the envoy, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany, noting that the participation of German observer teams in the last national parliamentary election further strengthened mutual ties. He emphasized that both nations share a foundational commitment to democratic values and constitutional governance.

Reflecting on the country's political history, the Speaker noted that while Bangladesh gained independence through the 1971 Liberation War, its democratic evolution faced repeated disruptions over the decades. He stated that following prolonged authoritarian rule—marked by forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and compromised electoral processes—a student-led mass uprising successfully ousted the previous regime. This transition, he added, enabled the restoration of a legitimate, neutral electoral process, reaffirming the public's commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles.

In response, Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz acknowledged Bangladesh's transition from an autocratic structure back onto a democratic trajectory. Recognizing the significant administrative and economic challenges facing the elected government, the ambassador reaffirmed the German government's full support toward strengthening democratic institutions and parliamentary oversight.

Key bilateral matters discussed during the meeting include:

• Parliamentary Diplomacy: Establishing a Bangladesh-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group to foster inter-parliamentary dialogue and technical cooperation.

• Offshore Energy Exploration: Inviting German technical expertise and joint investment to explore new oil and gas reserves across Bangladesh's coastal zones and maritime territories to support long-term energy security.

• Industrial Collaboration: Exploring joint ventures in setting up modern, sustainable fertilizer manufacturing plants in Bangladesh.

Senior officials from the German Embassy in Dhaka and the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present during the meeting.