Dhaka, Mar 25 (V7N) – Reto Rengli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at the Secretariat on Wednesday, where both sides held extensive discussions on a wide range of bilateral and security-related issues.

The meeting focused on law and order, counter-terrorism, police reforms, financial sector reforms, prevention of money laundering and digital fraud, recovery of laundered assets, as well as enhancing trade and mutual cooperation between the two countries.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that improving the law and order situation remains the government’s top priority. He emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary democracy, ensuring that all political parties can exercise democratic rights such as organizing meetings and rallies—while also ensuring that public inconvenience is minimized.

He also criticized the previous government, stating that excessive force had been used by law enforcement against political opponents, which he described as “unfortunate.”

Ambassador Reto Rengli assured Switzerland’s support in technical and strategic capacity building, particularly in police reforms and governance improvements. He also inquired about challenges in implementing the government’s reform agenda and stressed the importance of an effective parliament for democratic progress.

Referring to his participation in the Global Fraud Summit 2026 in Vienna, the Home Minister noted that digital fraud accounts for nearly 40% of global fraud cases, calling it a growing international crisis. Both sides agreed that global cooperation is essential to tackle such crimes effectively.

Responding to queries on security, the minister said that while minor elements of extremism may exist, terrorism has not taken root in Bangladesh. He highlighted the role of specialized units such as the Anti-Terrorism Unit and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit in maintaining security and combating threats.

On financial reforms, Salahuddin Ahmed stressed that economic stability depends on structural reforms. He called for stronger cooperation with Switzerland, particularly in recovering laundered money and enhancing transparency in financial systems. The ambassador agreed, noting that economic stability is crucial for sustainable development.

Later, the Home Minister also held a separate meeting with Christian Holz, Regional Director for South Asia at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, where similar issues of crime prevention and international cooperation were discussed.

END/SMA/AJ