Naqvi signed on behalf of the government of Pakistan, while Ahmed signed on behalf of the government of Bangladesh.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Bangladesh on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in combating drug smuggling, drug trafficking and drug abuse, with both sides agreeing to strengthen security ties.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Bangladeshi counterpart, Salahuddin Ahmed, in Dhaka, where the two sides signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Naqvi signed on behalf of the government of Pakistan, while Ahmed signed on behalf of the government of Bangladesh.
“Under the MoU, both countries will fully cooperate to prevent illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics. Joint efforts will be made to eliminate the growing trend of drug abuse in society and counter its negative impacts, while a joint strategy will be formulated to disrupt illegal sale and supply of narcotics,” it said.
The statement further added that relevant agencies of the two countries will also exchange timely information on drug traffickers and networks, and share personnel training, use of modern technology and best practices in drug prevention.
“The two interior ministers also agreed to establish a joint secretary-level working group between the two interior ministries to advance cooperation,” the statement said.
Furthermore, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, internal security and training of civilian armed forces.
“Discussions were also held on strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism and prevention of human trafficking, with interior ministers agreeing on joint measures to resolve this problem,” the statement added.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, in-depth discussions were also held on strengthening mutual cooperation in cybercrime, organized crime and financial fraud, as well as cooperation in training programs for police academies officers.
Naqvi also offered full cooperation to his Bangladeshi counterpart in the Safe City project. “We will support the Bangladesh government in all aspects of the Safe City project,” he said.
Naqvi also invited Ahmed to visit Pakistan. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Asad Alam Saem, Cabinet Secretary Naseem Ghani, Interior Secretary Manzoor Choudhury and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were also present on the occasion.
