The Netherlands, a country with abundant irrigation resources, has shown interest in assisting Bangladesh in upgrading its irrigation system. Foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury had meetings with the Dutch foreign minister and development cooperation minister in Amsterdam on Monday, as stated by the foreign affairs ministry on Tuesday. During the meeting with development cooperation minister Bert Koenders, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury emphasized the need for Dutch aid to be channeled through the government rather than NGOs and multilateral agencies. They discussed potential areas of cooperation such as modern irrigation systems, livestock and dairy, food processing, and agro-business development. Additionally, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury also met with Dutch counterpart Maxime Verhagen. Bangladesh described the Netherlands as a reliable partner for development during a recent meeting, according to the foreign ministry. Iftekhar encouraged the Dutch foreign minister to increase imports from Bangladesh beyond just ready-made garments, suggesting areas like small and medium ship manufacturing. They also agreed to collaborate on climate change issues. Verhagen promised support for the electoral process and discussed preparations for the Jatiya Sangsad polls with the adviser. Iftekhar highlighted the importance of a European Union Observer Mission for the upcoming elections while briefing the Dutch minister on the government's reform programs. Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Mizanur Rahman, along with director general of the foreign ministry M Zulfiqur Rahman and the Dutch envoy to Bangladesh Bea Ten Touscher, attended the meetings.