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Govt working to create conducive environment
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areas of cooperation in energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, human capital development, and decent work.
Hasina thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, particularly in the green transition, education, and skill development, the statement said.
During a meeting with European Investment Bank (EIB) President Werner Hoyer, she said Bangladesh could support EU efforts to diversify the production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical equipment.
Hoyer appreciated the use of the 1-billion-euro loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities.
He noted in particular progress in projects being implemented under the water treatment and rail link upgradation.
Referring to the achievements in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of people in Bangladesh, the PM requested the EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation.
Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railways to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic, while lauding the EIB’s interest in financing impactful connectivity projects.
Hoyer referred to the loan package of 250 million euros signed in 2021 and said its disbursement would commence soon for strengthening the health system, the statement added.
The EIB president observed that Bangladesh was in an ideal situation to roll out vaccine production.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič, during a meeting with Hasina, announced an additional €10.5 million in assistance for the Rohingyas.
Meanwhile, Hasina returns home today, wrapping up her three-day official visit to Belgium where she attended the Global Gateway Forum-2023, reports UNB.
A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the premier and her entourage members, is scheduled to depart from Brussels Zaventem Airport at 2:00am today (Bangladesh time).
The plane is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:15pm today.
The PM reached Brussels on Tuesday to attend the forum, held on October 25-26, at the invitation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Telecom, internet
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traffic, managing the data flow between the country and the rest of the world and enabling internet service providers and telecom operators to access the global internet.
Many mobile users complained that they are facing difficulties in making calls while broadband users said they are unable to access the internet.
The voice call disruption was due to the building housing several ICXs, a switching system, which provides interconnections among the telecommunication network of the operators. For example, it enables Grameenphone customers to make calls to a user of Robi Axiata.
Due to a fire incident in Khawaja Tower in Mohakhali area, all mobile operators are experiencing issues with inter-operator calls as there is a hub of ICX located in that building, said the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh, in a statement.
The mobile operators and the relevant ICX operators are working to relocate the connections at the earliest, it added.