The European Union (EU) has said that it is ready to support the reform initiatives of the interim government of Bangladesh led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and in the fight against corruption in all possible ways.
EU Ambassador to Dhaka Michael Miller and visiting External Action Service Asia and Pacific Division Director Paola Pampolini met with the Chief Adviser at Tejgaon in Dhaka on Wednesday (November 6) afternoon.
Paula Pampolini told the chief adviser that 27 member states of the European Union support the interim government of Bangladesh. He said, 'The message is very clear. The European Union is with you. We want to support your reforms.'
Pampaloni said there will be no shortage of funds for renovation work. Technical assistance will also be provided to the Interim Government of Bangladesh to complete the work.
The Chief Adviser thanked the European Union for its sincerity. He recalled his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September. At the time, Ursula von der Leyen promised to help Bangladesh in the fight against corruption and in the field of renewable energy in the light of their experience, the chief adviser said.
Pampaloni said the European Union has helped many other countries in this regard through technical expertise and financial support.
'We were listening attentively to your speech at the UN General Assembly and decided that now we have someone to work with in Bangladesh. You don't need to feel alone. We are really keen to support,' Pampaloni said.
EU officials urged Bangladesh to create more investment opportunities, which would create more jobs and boost trade.
Ambassador Miller told the Chief Adviser that the Vice President of the European Investment Bank is planning to visit Bangladesh in January to explore more business opportunities with Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser assured EU officials of Bangladesh's commitment to labor rights reforms, which would pave the way for more investment.
'We want to ensure that we maintain international standards… there will be no hiding. We don't want to play this game anymore,' he told EU officials.
EU officials praised Prof Yunus' political commitment to reforms in various sectors.
'This is the first time we have seen some political commitment that we support. So, we are counting on you,' Pampaloni said.
The Chief Adviser urged the European Union to work with Nepal and India to increase regional electricity connectivity.
He said that Nepal has extensive hydropower, which is being wasted. Nepal, Bangladesh and India among others can also benefit from it with the help of European Union.
The Chief Adviser urged the European Union to focus on the youth of Bangladesh and highlighted the recent achievements of Bangladeshi women footballers in the South Asian football team.
'They came and won, not just once, but twice,' said the chief adviser.
He also requested the European Union to send a European football team to motivate the Bangladesh women's football team.
