Principal Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said the interim government is preparing to hold local government elections in addition to holding national elections, so that 'local governments are truly local and effective governments.'
The Chief Adviser said this during a discussion with European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Nicola Beer at Rashtriya Guest House Yamuna on Wednesday (January 8).
Nicola Beer has pledged cooperation in implementing the important reform measures undertaken by the interim government.
“We are at a very challenging time,” said Nicola Beer, noting that the European Union (EU) has the technical expertise to help implement reforms. We support the interim government and the government's reform agenda.'
“Whatever you want to do, let us know,” he told the chief adviser, referring to the issue of assistance in the reform process. “It is important to demonstrate that the interim government of Bangladesh is not only working, but that they are implementing initiatives that produce effective results, to make it visible.”
Terming the present as an opportune time, Professor Yunus sought EIB's assistance in fighting corruption, green transition in the energy sector and a comprehensive plan for the Sundarbans mangrove and its surrounding areas and river system.
He also wants the cooperation of EIB to make service activities of Chittagong port easier and improve water management in the northern region. He mentioned that East India and Myanmar will benefit from the development of this largest port in Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser recalled, during a meeting with European Union President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September last year, they discussed possible areas of assistance in the fight against corruption and Bangladesh's greater shift from fossil fuels to renewables.
He mentioned that he had discussed many areas of cooperation with the EU ambassadors recently.
Professor Yunus detailed the plans of the interim government for the next national elections and local government elections. He said that the interim government is preparing to hold local government elections in addition to holding national elections, so that 'local governments are truly local and effective governments.'
Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser Lutfe Siddiqui, Bidar Chairman Ashiq Mahmud Chowdhury, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs of the Chief Adviser's Office Lamia Morshed, ERD Secretary Shahriar Quader Siddiqui and EU Ambassador Michael Miller were present during the meeting.
Source: Bass
