Bangladesh is going to sign a development cooperation agreement with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) to improve human rights, democracy, rule of law and independence of judiciary in the country.
Under the deal, SIDA will give Bangladesh 1.6bn Swedish krona ($213m) during a six-year period till 2020 to make improvements in the areas.
In addition, poverty will be addressed in all its dimensions through policies and plans, and in its patterns of public expenditure.
A draft deal paper also says the concerned authorities of Bangladesh will pursue transparent and accountable management of resources and integrity in public life and fighting corruption.
Swedish embassy in Dhaka sent the draft to the Economic Relations Division on 13th this month and the ERD is likely to finalise it at a ministerial meeting on 30th.
Under the deal, Bangladesh is expected to pursue a sound economic policy to achieve economically, environmentally and socially sustainable development.
The authorities concerned including the Ministry of Environment will ensure sustainable management of natural resources integrating environment and climate perspectives in development cooperation.
The concerns regarding non-compliance with any of these principles will primarily be handled through dialogue with Bangladesh authorities, says the draft document.
The Swedish support may also be extended to partners outside the government sphere, but such cooperation falls outside the scope of this agreement. The contract can be canceled in six months notice by the two parties.
Sweden has supported Bangladesh’s own development agenda for many areas, particularly in health and education, where the Scandinavian country has supported sector programmes for almost 30 years. The country has been giving Bangladesh nearly $35.95m (Tk280 crore) in grants every year.
