Special Correspondent: In a significant diplomatic engagement, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Bangladesh, His Excellency Haji Haris bin Haji Othman, today paid a courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP.

The meeting was held at 10:30 am today (Sunday) at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition at 29 Minto Road, Dhaka. The High Commissioner was accompanied by First Secretary of the Brunei High Commission, Mr. Rozaimi Abdullah.

According to sources close to the Opposition Leader’s office, the meeting was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere.

During the meeting, both sides had an open and frank discussion on a range of issues including the current political situation in Bangladesh, democracy, human rights situation, mutual relations between Bangladesh and Brunei, and trade and economic cooperation.

Special focus was given to Bangladesh’s ongoing energy crisis and the possible role and contribution of Brunei in addressing it. Brunei, as a major energy-rich nation in Southeast Asia, has long been seen as a potential partner for Bangladesh in the LNG and energy sectors.

Both sides also discussed in detail various aspects of expanding investment and trade between the two countries. They expressed optimism that the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Brunei will be further strengthened in the coming days.

After the meeting, the Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition showed the High Commissioner around the graffiti of the July Movement displayed at his residence.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Central Executive Council Member Md. Mobarak Hossain, and Member of the Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Ali Ahmad Mabrur.

Diplomatic observers in Dhaka see the meeting as part of Brunei’s continued engagement with all major political stakeholders in Bangladesh, and an indication of growing interest in energy and economic cooperation between the two Muslim-majority nations.