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 (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in combating drug smuggling, narcotics smuggling 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 the 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 cooperate fully to prevent illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics. Joint efforts will be made to eliminate the growing trend of drug use in the society and counter its negative effects, while a joint strategy will be formulated to disrupt the illegal sale and supply lines of narcotics,” it said.
The statement further added that the relevant agencies of both countries would also exchange timely information on drug traffickers and networks and share training of personnel, use of modern technology and best practices for drug prevention.
“The two home ministers also agreed to establish a joint secretary-level working group between the two home ministries to take cooperation forward,” the statement read.
Furthermore, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, internal security and training of civilian armed forces.
“Discussions were also held to increase cooperation in counter-terrorism and prevention of people-trafficking, with the interior ministers agreeing on joint measures to address the matter,” it added.
According to the MOI, detailed discussions were also held to strengthen mutual cooperation on cybercrime, organized crime and financial fraud, as well as cooperation on training programs for officers at police academies.
Naqvi also offered full cooperation to his Bangladeshi counterpart in the Safe City project. “We will support the Bangladesh government in all aspects regarding the Safe City project,” he said.
Naqvi also invited Ahmed to visit Pakistan. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Asad Alam Saem, Cabinet Minister Naseem Ghani, Interior Minister Manzoor Choudhury and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were also present on the occasion.
