Local Joint Press Statement

26.09.2019 — Position Bangladesh

The Heads of Mission of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland visited Cox’s Bazar on 25 and 26 September 2019 and made the following local joint press statement after the visit in regard to the ongoing Rohingya crisis:

Switzerland and Bangladesh held talks on migration

12.09.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
Switzerland and Bangladesh held a bilateral talk on matters regarding migration on 11 September 2019 in Dhaka. A Swiss delegation led by Ambassador Vincenzo Mascioli, Director International Cooperation, State Secretariat for Migration, Federal Department of Justice and Police of Switzerland, visited Bangladesh from 10 - 12 September 2019 in order to participate in this meeting, which is the first of its kind between the two countries. The objective of this meeting was to discuss about bilateral cooperation in the area of migration as well as to exchange views on the regional and multilateral processes related to labour migration.

Citizens’ participation, inclusion, accountability and governance are centrepieces of democracy

03.07.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
Speakers and participants of the roundtable discussion on features of democracy in Switzerland and Bangladesh noted that regardless of the different types of democratic practices in different countries, social accountability towards citizens and inclusion of minorities, good governance, decentralization and people’s participation are the centerpieces of democracy. The roundtable discussion was held on 03 July 2019 in Dhaka to share democratic experiences of the two countries in a dialogue. It was organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh. The Daily Star was the media partner of the event.

What type of democratic practices are suitable for achieving the SDG?

27.06.2019 — Local news Bangladesh
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organized a dialogue event on 27 June 2019 in Dhaka where participants discussed about the prevalence of various democratic practices and how each model can contribute differently towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Political consultation between Switzerland and Bangladesh held in Dhaka

02.04.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
The fourth round of bilateral political consultations between the foreign ministries of Switzerland and Bangladesh were held in Dhaka on 02 April 2019. Ambassador Raphael Nägeli, the Assistant State Secretary for Asia-Pacific of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, and Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan, Secretary (Bilateral and Consular) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, led the respective delegations during the consultations.

Political Consultations between Switzerland and Bangladesh to be held on 02 April

31.03.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
The fourth edition of biennial bilateral political consultations between the foreign ministries of Switzerland and Bangladesh will be held in Dhaka on 02 April 2019. In order to participate in the consultations, the Swiss delegation has arrived in Dhaka on 31 March for a four-day visit. Ambassador Raphael Nägeli, the Assistant State Secretary for Asia-Pacific of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, and Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan, Secretary (Bilateral and Consular) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, will lead the respective delegations during the consultations.

Switzerland provides additional 10 million francs for Rohingya refugees

15.02.2019 — Press release EDA
In 2019, Switzerland will provide CHF 10 million and deploy experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to help tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. The humanitarian crisis in eastern Bangladesh, a region that has taken in large numbers refugees, remains acute. The international Joint Response Plan seeks to raise USD 920 million to meet basic needs.

University of Fribourg – Scholarship programme

13.01.2019 — Article Bangladesh
University of Fribourg (Switzerland) offers young foreign researchers (with residence outside of Switzerland) an opportunity to pursue 3-4 months research stay in Switzerland on doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Interested, eligible and motivated candidates from Bangladesh are encouraged to apply.

Swiss Ambassador meets Foreign Secretary to discuss National Elections

06.01.2019 — Local news Bangladesh
On 6 January 2019 the Ambassador of Switzerland, René Holenstein met with the Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, Md. Shahidul Haque.

ILO and Switzerland to continue supporting initiatives on decent work for migrant workers

12.12.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
At a ceremony held in Dhaka on 12 December 2018, the Embassy of Switzerland and ILO Bangladesh jointly launched of the Phase II of the project ‘Application of Migration Policy for Decent Work for Migrant Workers’. The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and it will be implemented by ILO during January 2019 - December 2021.

Joint Local Statement on Parliamentary elections

10.12.2018 — Position Bangladesh
As the formal campaigning period for the upcoming parliamentary elections begins, the undersigned Heads of Mission of the European Union and the Heads of Mission of Norway and Switzerland call upon the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission and all stakeholders to ensure a genuine, credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.

Swiss Embassy celebrates Switzerland-Bangladesh friendship

16.11.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
The Embassy of Switzerland organized a special event “Swiss Night” on 15 November 2018 in Dhaka to celebrate the friendship between Switzerland and Bangladesh. The event was attended by a wide range of audience including members of senior officials, the civil society, business, cultural and international community, development partners as well as the Swiss citizens living in Bangladesh.

Switzerland and Bangladesh held talks on migration

12.09.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
Switzerland and Bangladesh held a bilateral talk on matters regarding migration on 11 September 2019 in Dhaka. A Swiss delegation led by Ambassador Vincenzo Mascioli, Director International Cooperation, State Secretariat for Migration, Federal Department of Justice and Police of Switzerland, visited Bangladesh from 10 - 12 September 2019 in order to participate in this meeting, which is the first of its kind between the two countries. The objective of this meeting was to discuss about bilateral cooperation in the area of migration as well as to exchange views on the regional and multilateral processes related to labour migration.

Citizens’ participation, inclusion, accountability and governance are centrepieces of democracy

03.07.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
Speakers and participants of the roundtable discussion on features of democracy in Switzerland and Bangladesh noted that regardless of the different types of democratic practices in different countries, social accountability towards citizens and inclusion of minorities, good governance, decentralization and people’s participation are the centerpieces of democracy. The roundtable discussion was held on 03 July 2019 in Dhaka to share democratic experiences of the two countries in a dialogue. It was organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh. The Daily Star was the media partner of the event.

Political consultation between Switzerland and Bangladesh held in Dhaka

02.04.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
The fourth round of bilateral political consultations between the foreign ministries of Switzerland and Bangladesh were held in Dhaka on 02 April 2019. Ambassador Raphael Nägeli, the Assistant State Secretary for Asia-Pacific of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, and Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan, Secretary (Bilateral and Consular) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, led the respective delegations during the consultations.

Political Consultations between Switzerland and Bangladesh to be held on 02 April

31.03.2019 — Press release Bangladesh
The fourth edition of biennial bilateral political consultations between the foreign ministries of Switzerland and Bangladesh will be held in Dhaka on 02 April 2019. In order to participate in the consultations, the Swiss delegation has arrived in Dhaka on 31 March for a four-day visit. Ambassador Raphael Nägeli, the Assistant State Secretary for Asia-Pacific of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, and Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan, Secretary (Bilateral and Consular) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, will lead the respective delegations during the consultations.

Switzerland provides additional 10 million francs for Rohingya refugees

15.02.2019 — Press release EDA
In 2019, Switzerland will provide CHF 10 million and deploy experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to help tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. The humanitarian crisis in eastern Bangladesh, a region that has taken in large numbers refugees, remains acute. The international Joint Response Plan seeks to raise USD 920 million to meet basic needs.

ILO and Switzerland to continue supporting initiatives on decent work for migrant workers

12.12.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
At a ceremony held in Dhaka on 12 December 2018, the Embassy of Switzerland and ILO Bangladesh jointly launched of the Phase II of the project ‘Application of Migration Policy for Decent Work for Migrant Workers’. The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and it will be implemented by ILO during January 2019 - December 2021.

Swiss Embassy celebrates Switzerland-Bangladesh friendship

16.11.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
The Embassy of Switzerland organized a special event “Swiss Night” on 15 November 2018 in Dhaka to celebrate the friendship between Switzerland and Bangladesh. The event was attended by a wide range of audience including members of senior officials, the civil society, business, cultural and international community, development partners as well as the Swiss citizens living in Bangladesh.

Chattogram stands up for human rights

07.10.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
Participants of a panel discussion and film screening on human rights on 7 October in Chattogram expressed their strong commitment to human rights. The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and national NGO Steps towards Development to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to highlight the importance of protection of human rights.

Celebrate and stand up for Human Rights

10.05.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
To commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to underline the importance of Human Rights particularly ahead of the 3^rd Universal Periodic Review of Bangladesh a panel discussion and film screening event took place on 10 May 2018 at the Goethe Institut in Dhaka. The Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva (FIFDH) jointly organized the event.

Fostering freedom of expression and strengthening civil society: the role of culture in development cooperation

09.02.2018 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) supports various projects in culture and the arts in partner countries because artists and culture professionals have an important role to play in shaping economic, social and cultural life. The exchange of ideas between artists from countries of the South and East and Switzerland is therefore the focus of 'CROSSROADS – International perspectives on culture, art and society', an event co-organised by the SDC and the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia in Basel and Geneva from 8 to 10 February.

President of the Swiss Confederation visits Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar

06.02.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
The President of the Swiss Confederation H.E. Mr. Alain Berset, who is currently in Bangladesh on an official visit, travelled to Cox’s Bazar on 06 February 2018 to gain a first-hand insight into the ongoing humanitarian refugee crisis. He visited the Kutupalong Rohingya camp where he met with Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar in recent months. He also visited the Cox’s Bazar Sadar hospital which received Swiss contributions.

President of the Swiss Confederation to visit Bangladesh

01.02.2018 — Press release Bangladesh
The President of the Swiss Confederation H.E. Mr. Alain Berset will pay an official visit to Bangladesh on 04-07 February 2018. In the first official visit by a Swiss president to Bangladesh, there will be two main focuses: solidarity with a country that is severely affected by the crisis in neighbouring Myanmar, and the establishment of closer bilateral relations.

Local Joint Press Statement

26.09.2019 — Position Bangladesh

The Heads of Mission of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland visited Cox’s Bazar on 25 and 26 September 2019 and made the following local joint press statement after the visit in regard to the ongoing Rohingya crisis:

What type of democratic practices are suitable for achieving the SDG?

27.06.2019 — Local news Bangladesh
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organized a dialogue event on 27 June 2019 in Dhaka where participants discussed about the prevalence of various democratic practices and how each model can contribute differently towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

University of Fribourg – Scholarship programme

13.01.2019 — Article Bangladesh
University of Fribourg (Switzerland) offers young foreign researchers (with residence outside of Switzerland) an opportunity to pursue 3-4 months research stay in Switzerland on doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Interested, eligible and motivated candidates from Bangladesh are encouraged to apply.

Swiss Ambassador meets Foreign Secretary to discuss National Elections

06.01.2019 — Local news Bangladesh
On 6 January 2019 the Ambassador of Switzerland, René Holenstein met with the Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, Md. Shahidul Haque.

Joint Local Statement on Parliamentary elections

10.12.2018 — Position Bangladesh
As the formal campaigning period for the upcoming parliamentary elections begins, the undersigned Heads of Mission of the European Union and the Heads of Mission of Norway and Switzerland call upon the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission and all stakeholders to ensure a genuine, credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.

Swiss Film Night 2018

23.10.2018 — Article Bangladesh
On 23^rd of October, the Swiss Embassy together with its venue partner the Goethe Institut in Dhaka screened the award-winning Swiss film, The Divine Order, as a part of a series of events that will extend up to 2019.

Joint local Statement

27.09.2018 — Position Bangladesh

Dhaka, 27 September 2018                            

Joint local Statement

The Heads of Mission of the EU Member States, the European Union Delegation and the Heads of Mission of Norway and Switzerland issue the following Statement in Bangladesh:

On 19 September, the "Digital Security Act, 2018" was passed in Parliament.

We reiterate our concerns around several provisions of the Digital Security Act which unduly restrict the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media and undermine judicial procedural guarantees. In its current form the Act could be used to suppress and criminalise the legitimate exercise of these freedoms.

We call upon the Government of Bangladesh to continue consultations on this law and pursue the commitments taken during the Universal Periodic Review last May, so as to ensure that the Digital Security Act will be in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the Constitution of Bangladesh.

-End-

Celebrate and stand up for Human Rights in Rajshahi

10.09.2018 — Local news Bangladesh
To celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to highlight the importance of Human Rights, a panel discussion and film screening event took place on 10 September 2018 in Rajshahi. The Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and human rights NGO Ain-o-Salish Kendra (ASK) jointly organized the event.  

Bangladesh Switzerland Joint Declaration duing the Official Visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation

05.02.2018 — Bangladesh
During the four day official visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Mr. Alain Berset, Bangladesh and Switzerland issued a Joint Declaration on 05 February 2018 following official talks held between Mr. Berset and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E. Sheikh Hasina. The two leaders also held a joint press briefing afterwards.

Artist-in-Residence 2019

20.12.2017 — Article Bangladesh
Inviting artists and cultural practitioners in the areas of performing and visual arts, literature, design and interactive media to apply for a Studio Residency being awarded by Pro Helvetia -Swiss Arts Council.

SDC Local Governance programme Sharique enters phase IV

12.12.2017 — Article Bangladesh
The fourth phase of SDC Local Governance programme Sharique was officially launched on 11 December 2017 in Dhaka through an inception meeting attended, among others, by Ambassador René Holenstein and Mr. Abdul Malek, Honourable Secretary of the Local Government Division (LGD).

Swiss government Start-up Fund

20.06.2017 — Article Bangladesh

Switzerland has expanded a new instrument to promote private sector development called the «Start-up Fund» to Bangladesh.