Dhaka: Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Thursday said the current situation in the country is ‘absolutely normal’ as the government has been able to handle militants activities successfully keeping trade and investment unhurt.  

“There’s no problem right now…the situation is absolutely normal,” he told a joint press conference at a city hotel.  

Referring to uninterrupted inflow of foreign friends, the Commerce Minister said Chinese President Xi Jinping is coming, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen is in the city, while Bangladesh’s foreign friends are coming every day.

“Our export has not been hampered. Even we’ve seen 19 percent growth in August. We’re expecting US$ 37 billion export earnings next year, while US$ 30 billion will come from RMG export,” Tofail said.

He said Bangladesh has achieved capability in dealing with militants activities and it can proudly say it could eliminate successfully.

“We’ve been able to stop it. Actions have been taken against those who we involved in militancy,” the Commerce Minister said adding that terrorism is a global problem which is happening in other parts of the world.  

Dutch Minister Ploumen, who was present at the press conference said, they have been seeing the government of Bangladesh along with international partners who are taking ‘accurate measures’ to ensure security.  

“Bangladesh and its international partners are working very hard to make sure that security is not just for foreign investors but for all citizens. In past months, many steps have been taken by Bangladesh government,” she said while responding to a question.  

The Dutch Minister said in many countries in the world and within Europe they are very concerned about radicalisation and terrorist attacks.  

“Terrorism is something we have to combat jointly. One country can’t do it alone. All of us are committed to continuing works with the government and people of Bangladesh to stabilise security situation,” she added.

Appreciating Bangladesh’s efforts, Ploumen said the government of Bangladesh is doing their outmost and are giving lots of efforts to make sure that security is ensured.

Responding to a question on investment climate, she said a good business climate is defined by many factors that include the rule of law, workers conditions and rights. “I think the government of Bangladesh is working to that end.”

Earlier, they both attended a conference titled ‘Sustainable Sourcing in the Garment Sector (SSGS) at the same venue.  

Dutch Ambassador in Dhaka Leoni Margaretha Cuelenaere and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President M Siddiqur Rahman, were, among others, present at the press conference