Dhaka: A high-powered European Union (EU) Delegation, led by Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon, is now visiting the country’s northern districts -- Nilphamari, Dinajpur and Panchagarh.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the field trip as part of ‘Visit Bangladesh’ programme for the diplomats to see for themselves the changes that the northern districts have undergone in the last seven or more years, especially in connectivity including roads, bridges, railways, electricity and socio-economic development.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali is accompanying the diplomats, according to the Foreign Ministry here.

Other members of the delegation include British High Commissioner Alison Blake, Ambassadors of Germany Dr Thomas Prinz, Ambassador of the Netherlands Leoni Margaretha Cuelenaere and Danish Ambassador Mikael Hemniti Winther.

The day began with the delegation visiting Uttara EPZ in Nilphamari, one of the growing EPZs in 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 uplifting women through their employment.

Although it is situated away from land or sea port, the overall cost of doing business is lower in this EPZ. They also took the delegation to visit a leather item factory.

Later, the delegation visited Khansama Upazila complex and met the Chairmen of Upazila and Union Parishads. 

They visited the ‘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 rural people 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 will visit Unesco heritage site Kantajew temple and tea gardens in Panchagarh on Thursday.