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 enhance cooperation in combating drug smuggling, narcotics trafficking and drug abuse, with both sides agreeing to boost security ties.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Bangladeshi counterpart Salahuddin Ahmed in Dhaka where both 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 fully cooperate to prevent illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics. Joint efforts will be made to eliminate the increasing trend of drug use in the society and counter its negative impacts, while a joint strategy will be formulated to disrupt illegal sale and supply lines of narcotics,” he said.
The statement further added that relevant agencies of both countries will also exchange timely information on drug traffickers and networks, and share personnel training, use of modern technology and best practices for narcotics prevention.
“The two interior ministers also agreed to establish a joint secretary-level working group between the two interior ministries to boost cooperation,” the statement said.
Additionally, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, internal security and training of civilian armed forces.
“Discussions were also held on further cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the prevention of human trafficking, and interior ministers agreed on joint measures to address the issue,” he added.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, detailed discussions were also held on improving 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 Government of Bangladesh in all aspects related to the Safe City project,” he said.
Naqvi also extended an invitation to Ahmed to visit Pakistan. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Saem, Cabinet Secretary Naseem Ghani, Home Secretary Manzoor Choudhury and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were also present on the occasion.
