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To create a sustainable political system, good governance, rule of law, decreased bureaucracy and efficient use of government resources are highly important, the ambassador said.

“Over the last few years, Bangladesh’s election process has been criticised and I think this circumstance was completely avoidable. I think it is very important for the country to look into these criticisms, which have been forwarded by the EU election monitoring team, and take appropriate measures in future elections.”

However, the country is fully capable of holding elections that cannot be scrutinised, Fahrenholtz added.

On tackling corruption, the ambassador said: “Eradicating corruption is not only vital for future development but also for increased foreign direct investment, which is essential for economic growth.”

Germany provides both technical and financial support to Bangladesh. There are about 17 projects currently being developed with German assistance, said Gauranga Chandra Mohonta, wing chief (Europe) of the ERD, while addressing the programme. Germany will continue to provide support to a wide range of issues while emphasising on energy, both renewable and non-renewable, and poverty reduction, he said.

Ute Heinbuch, head of the South Asia division of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, spoke at the inaugural session of the consultation.