Bangladesh determined to hold free and fair election: President

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday said Bangladesh is determined to hold a free, fair and credible national parliament election.

"All necessary support will be provided to the Election Commission in this connection," he added.

The president said this when outgoing Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup Petersen paid a farewell call on the presidential at Bangabhaban.

President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.

Mentioning that Denmark was the first state among the European Union countries to recognise Bangladesh after independence, the president expressed his gratitude to the government and the people of Denmark.

About the climate change effects, he said Bangladesh is one of the countries affected by climate change, and Denmark and Bangladesh can work together to deal with the issue.

Referring to the signing of a joint action plan between Bangladesh and Denmark on sustainable and green framework engagement, the President expressed his satisfaction and said, "As a result, Bangladesh will be able to reduce the damage of climate change."

Expressing gratitude to Denmark for providing political and humanitarian support over the Rohingya issue, Shahabuddin hoped Demark along with other international agencies and development partners would put pressure on Myanmar to end the repatriation process of Rohingya people to their homeland, Rakhine state, in a safe, sustainable and dignified manner.

During the meeting Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Winnie said Denmark is interested to invest in various sectors in Bangladesh, including information technology (IT).

The Danish envoy also said her country will always continue to cooperate on the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

The President congratulated the ambassador for her successful completion of assignment in Dhaka while the outgoing Danish ambassador thanked the President for his cooperation in discharging her assignment here.

Secretaries concerned to the president were also present.