Brazil envoy discusses trade, sports, polls issues with BNP leaders

Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Paulo Fernando Dias Feres today called on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at BNP Chairperson's Gulshan political office this morning. 

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid were present on the occasion.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khasru said various issues related to the mutual interests of both countries along with the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh were discussed.

Stating that there is a business transaction of $2 billion between Brazil and Bangladesh, he said, Brazil wants to cooperate with Bangladesh in milk production. 

"Brazil is advanced and far ahead in terms of agriculture. Bangladesh imports many things, including sugar from Brazil," he said.

He said Bangladeshi garment exports to Brazil are likely to increase in the future. 

"We also seek Brazilian technology support in Bangladesh's trade industry," he added.

Stating that Brazil has some restrictions on the import of garments jhut (cutting wastes) from Bangladesh, the BNP leader said, "We have requested the Brazilian ambassador to lift this ban on jhut and strengthen the trade relations between the two countries by importing jhut from Bangladesh again."

Noting that the issue of sports was discussed with seriousness, Amir Khasru said Brazil is willing to cooperate in further improving the quality of sports in Bangladesh.

He said, "Brazil is willing to cooperate, especially on how Bangladeshi football can be further developed. We will also discuss the appointment of a Brazilian coach for our football team in the coming days."

Asked whether any discussion took place about national elections, Amir Khasru said Brazil wants to see fair and impartial elections in Bangladesh.