DHAKA, MAY 9 /DNA/ – Federal Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in Dhaka. During the meeting, both Interior Ministers agreed to establish a Secretary-Level Joint Working Group between the two Ministries of Interior.
On this occasion, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan and Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation in combating drug trafficking, drug abuse, and narcotics control. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed signed on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh.
Under the MoU, both countries will cooperate extensively to prevent the illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics. Joint efforts will be undertaken to eliminate the growing trend of drug abuse in society and its harmful effects. A coordinated strategy will also be developed to dismantle illegal drug supply chains and trafficking networks.
Relevant agencies of both countries will exchange timely intelligence regarding drug traffickers and criminal networks. Cooperation will also include training of personnel, use of modern technology, and sharing of best practices for narcotics prevention and enforcement.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi offered full cooperation to Bangladesh in the Safe City Project and stated that Pakistan would support the Government of Bangladesh in every possible way regarding the initiative.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of internal security and training of civil armed forces. Discussions were also held on strengthening collaboration in counterterrorism efforts and preventing human trafficking.
The two Interior Ministers exchanged views on joint counterterrorism measures. They also discussed increasing cooperation to combat cybercrime, organized crime, and financial fraud, as well as collaboration in police academy training programs for officers.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended an invitation to the Bangladeshi Home Minister to visit Pakistan. The Bangladeshi Home Minister thanked Mohsin Naqvi for offering cooperation in the Safe City Project.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Cabinet Secretary Nasim-ul-Ghani, Home Secretary Manzoor Choudhury, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were also present on the occasion.
