[🇧🇩] US/EU support for Yunus-led govt

[Saif]

Envoys of EU countries reiterate support for interim govt

Ambassadors and diplomats of European Union countries yesterday renewed their support for Bangladesh's interim government in its democratic transition and efforts for carrying out vital reforms

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Envoys of EU countries reiterate support for interim govt

Ambassadors and diplomats of European Union countries yesterday renewed their support for Bangladesh's interim government in its democratic transition and efforts to carry out vital reforms.

The EU countries announced the support when they joined an interactive session with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Describing the occasion as an "exciting moment" in the month of victory, the chief adviser said the session brought European diplomats based in Dhaka and New Delhi together.

"This is a very special occasion to have you together. The fact that you assembled shows the support to Bangladesh -- political support, as well as the economic support, moral support, and other support," Yunus said.

"This is something very rejuvenating for us, emerging out of a terrible situation that we had only four months back when students were killed in large numbers," he added.

The chief adviser explained to the EU diplomats that students mobilised people leading to the mass uprising forcing the then-autocratic ruler to flee to neighbouring India.

"European Union is committed to supporting Bangladesh's democratic transition the best way we can," Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller said in his opening remarks.

"As you know, the chief adviser already enjoying rather broad relations; we do see strong potential for our partnership to grow even further," he said.

Miller ended by reiterating that the EU, the 27-nation group, stands 'in one voice' in support of the interim government and the people of Bangladesh and its reform agenda.

EU is the biggest export destination of Bangladesh goods.

"We have only one message, that is, we strongly support you," he added.

A total of 19 diplomats, including 11 ambassadors and diplomats based in New Delhi, attended the meeting, and at least 15 of them participated in the interactive session.

Issues dominating the talks included labour rights, human rights, the Rohingya crisis, and international migration.

Chief Adviser highlighted the strong sense of unity that exists in Bangladesh despite some propaganda and misinformation campaigns against Bangladesh.

He also presented initiatives the interim government has so far taken to reform the banking, economy and labour sectors before the European diplomats.

The Chief Adviser requested the European countries, which have visa offices in New Delhi, to relocate them to Dhaka or any other neighbouring countries.

He made the request against the backdrop of many Bangladeshi students facing difficulties in obtaining visas for getting enrolled to universities in European countries.

Ambassadors and diplomats from, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Romania joined the meeting. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain was also present.​

 

[Saif]

US support for stable, democratic Bangladesh to continue: Jake Sullivan

The National Security Adviser of the United States, Jake Sullivan, has offered continued US support for the democratic process of Bangladesh in a phone call with interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

www.newagebd.net

US support for stable, democratic Bangladesh to continue: Jake Sullivan
Staff Correspondent 24 December, 2024, 07:01

Jake Sullivan | AFP File Photo

The National Security Adviser of the United States, Jake Sullivan, has offered continued US support for the democratic process of Bangladesh in a phone call with interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

He spoke on the phone with Muhammad Yunus on Monday evening to discuss issues of mutual interest, according to a press release issued by the CA’s press wing.

‘The National Security Adviser praised the leadership of Professor Muhammad Yunus in the past four and a half months after he assumed the role of the chief adviser of the interim government on August 8,’ said the release.

Jake Sullivan also praised him for the progress that the country had already made in turning around the economy and for initiating vital political, election, and other reforms.

‘The National Security Adviser also thanked him for announcing the possible election dates, and he offered continued US support for the democratic process of the country,’ it mentioned.

During the phone call, they also discussed the overall development situation in the country. Professor Yunus thanked the US for its generous support to Bangladesh in overcoming the inherited problems.

Sullivan reconfirmed US support for the Professor Yunus-led interim government and for a prosperous, stable, and democratic Bangladesh, said the release.

The chief adviser thanked the US for its vital support in this challenging period for Bangladesh.

He recalled his meeting with President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his tour to New York in September.

Professor Yunus said that he was expecting reports of six major reform commissions within January. After that, the consensus-building process will begin to prepare the nation for reforms and elections.​

 

[Saif]

Rupa Huq terms APPG report on Bangladesh as ‘one-sided’

British lawmaker Rupa Huq has criticised a ‘one-sided account’ of Bangladesh’s interim government, led by chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus, alleging it was falsely presented under the banner of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Commonwealth, causing confusion...

www.newagebd.net

Rupa Huq terms APPG report on Bangladesh as ‘one-sided’
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 18 January, 2025, 16:56

Rupa Huq. | UNB Photo

British lawmaker Rupa Huq has criticised a ‘one-sided account’ of Bangladesh’s interim government, led by chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus, alleging it was falsely presented under the banner of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Commonwealth, causing confusion.

‘This Autumn, a one-sided account of the Bangladeshi Yunus government surfaced in the name of the APPG for Commonwealth, pedalling falsehoods that was widely press-released, leading to confusion on UK government policy,’ Rupa said in a post on social media platform X.

‘I had it confirmed @HouseofCommons that it has zero official relevance,’ the UK lawmaker added.

Rupa made the remarks following her visit to Bangladesh as part of a delegation from the UK-Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry.

In November 2024, the APPG released a report addressing the aftermath of Bangladesh’s political crisis following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5.

On December 4 last, foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain urged British high commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke to convey accurate information regarding the minority situation and the student-led July-August uprising in Bangladesh to the UK government.

The adviser raised the omission of key facts in the AAPG report, such as the large number of students who were shot dead in the streets prior to August 5.

Touhid emphasised that the foreign ministry was determined to counter misinformation and ensure that international communities were apprised of the true facts about the atrocities and the broader situation in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

EU ready to support Bangladesh during its political transition: Envoy

The European Union (EU) has said it remains ready to support Bangladesh during its political transition underpinned by the rule of law, human rights, and democracy. EU ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met the leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami recently and discussed the relevant issues.

en.prothomalo.com

EU ready to support Bangladesh during its political transition: Envoy
UNB
Dhaka
Published: 18 Jan 2025, 17: 20

The European Union (EU) has said it remains ready to support Bangladesh during its political transition underpinned by the rule of law, human rights, and democracy.

EU ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met the leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami recently and discussed the relevant issues.

Over the submission of the recommendations of the first four reform commissions, the EU said, they look to the political parties to work with the interim government to identify priority reforms for which there is consensus.​

 

[Saif]

Economic forum: CA leaves Dhaka for Davos Tuesday

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus leaves Dhaka for Davos, Switzerland Tuesday on a 4-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

www.thedailystar.net

Economic forum: CA leaves Dhaka for Davos Tuesday

File photo

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus leaves Dhaka for Davos, Switzerland Tuesday on a 4-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

"The chief adviser will leave Bangladesh at 1:00am on Tuesday (January 21) and he will return home on January 25," Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told a press briefing at Foreign Service Academy yesterday.

During his visit, the chief adviser is expected to hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Finland President Alexander Stubb, King Philippe of Belgium and Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Azad said.

The chief adviser will also hold meetings with Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, Sir Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta, Dr Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Besides, the CA's deputy press secretary said, a separate dialogue on Bangladesh will be held at the World Economic Forum where global business leaders and CEOs of various international organisations will join.

Describing the dialogue as a rare opportunity for Bangladesh, he said the dialogue is crucial for Bangladesh as it gets the chance to hold dialogue, for the first time, at such a mega event like the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Azad said the interim government hopes that the dialogue would help Bangladesh attract global investment.​

 

[Saif]

US to back Bangladesh's democratic transition

Says Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson

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US to back Bangladesh's democratic transition
Says Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson

Photo: Courtesy/MoFA

The US has reaffirmed continued support to Bangladesh's ongoing democratic transition.

The newly-appointed Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson conveyed this when she called on Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry yesterday.

Jacobson appreciated the interim government for its continued efforts to consensus-building among the political parties.

She said she is highly optimistic about achieving macroeconomic stability and sound economic footing of Bangladesh for the current economic and financial reforms.

During this first courtesy call on, they affirmed commitment to deepening the Bangladesh-US relationship in the areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, human rights, labour reforms, and repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (Rohingya).

Apprising the CDA of the progress of ongoing reform activities, the foreign adviser reiterated the commitment of the interim government to conduct a free, fair, and credible election as expressed by the chief adviser.

He thanked the US government for appreciating and supporting the reform actions undertaken by the interim government.

The foreign adviser assured her of providing full support during her tenure in Bangladesh and expressed desire that the bilateral relations will reach a newer height during her tenure.​

 

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Yunus flies to Switzerland to attend WEF

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Dhaka for Davos, Switzerland early today on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

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Yunus flies to Switzerland to attend WEF

File photo: STAR

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Dhaka for Davos, Switzerland early today on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

An Emirates flight carrying Yunus and his entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:00am, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told BSS.

During his visit, the chief adviser is expected to hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Finland President Alexander Stubb, King Philippe of Belgium, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, among others.

A separate dialogue on Bangladesh will also be held at the WEF where global business leaders and CEOs of various international organisations will join, reports UNB.

Besides, top officials of the European Central Bank, Meta and Amnesty International are also expected to meet the chief adviser.

Bangladesh will highlight its efforts for an improved business and investment climate during the annual meeting of the WEF in Switzerland to attract the global business leaders and investors giving them a confidence to explore the opportunities that Bangladesh offers.

Yunus, who will lead the Bangladesh delegation, will focus on business and investment opportunities during his series of engagements there.

Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed are accompanying Yunus.

The chief adviser is set to return home on January 25.​

 

[Saif]

‘Count on us for whatever support you want’

Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Anna Bjerde yesterday reiterated the global lender's support to the interim government for rebuilding Bangladesh

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‘Count on us for whatever support you want’
World Bank MD tells Yunus at Davos

Photo: Collected

Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Anna Bjerde yesterday reiterated the global lender's support to the interim government for rebuilding Bangladesh.

"I want to express our support… count on us for whatever support you want," she told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus during a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city.

The World Bank Managing Director for operations said the bank would like to extend its support to Bangladesh in the second half of the year, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

During the talks, they spoke briefly on the July uprising, reform initiatives of the interim government and the state of Bangladesh economy.

Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator of the Bangladesh government, and Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Bangladesh's permanent representative to Geneva, also attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

US reaffirms its support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts

The United States has reiterated its strong support for the ongoing reform initiatives led by the interim government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus during the celebration of U.S. Independence Day in Dhaka this evening. Speaking at the event, U.S. Char

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US reaffirms its support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts

Published :
Jul 02, 2025 20:37
Updated :
Jul 02, 2025 20:37

The United States has reiterated its strong support for the ongoing reform initiatives led by the interim government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus during the celebration of U.S. Independence Day in Dhaka this evening.

Speaking at the event, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those involved in the student-led popular uprising of July-August last year, calling it a “foundation for the historic work we are witnessing now to rebuild the state and to restore democracy,” reports BSS.

“The United States honors the sacrifices of those who gave their lives last year, and we fully support the work planned by His Excellency, the Chief Adviser, to build consensus around reform and to pave the way for free and fair elections early next year,” said Jacobson.

She noted that this commitment was reaffirmed in a recent telephone conversation between U.S. Secretary of State and the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh.

Finance, and Science and Technology Adviser to the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attended the ceremony as the guest of honour.

The event also saw the presence of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, other advisers, diplomats, senior officials, and distinguished guests.

Jacobson highlighted more than five decades of Bangladesh-U.S. partnership, praising the deep people-to-people ties and the growing commercial, military, and development cooperation between the two nations.

“Our partnership is strong, built on shared values and mutual interests,” she said.

She detailed the breadth of U.S. assistance to Bangladesh, emphasizing that since 2017, the U.S. has been the largest donor to the Rohingya refugee response, contributing over $2.5 billion, including $160 million this year alone.

As USAID prepares to transition its remaining assistance programs to the U.S. Department of State, Jacobson acknowledged the agency’s long-standing contributions.

“USAID’s investments, totalling over $8 billion, have played a vital role in helping Bangladesh prepare for graduation from Least Developed Country status,” she added.

On economic cooperation, the Chargé d’Affaires noted that American companies remain significant contributors to Bangladesh’s economy and infrastructure.

Chevron, the country’s largest foreign investor, along with Excelerate Energy, provides more than 70% of Bangladesh’s electricity.

Other American firms such as Oracle, Microsoft, Meta, and Google are playing a crucial role in driving Bangladesh’s digital transformation.

She confirmed that both governments are actively working to address bilateral trade issues, including discussions on tariff reductions, trade barriers, and labor standards in line with international norms.

The U.S. envoy also underscored the importance of military cooperation, noting joint exercises such as Tiger Lightning and Pacific Angel, and the annual training of around 120 Bangladeshi military officers at the prestigious U.S. military institutions including West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy.

The event, themed around a traditional American “State Fair”, celebrated cultural connections and agricultural heritage, with American cotton and Bangladeshi garment excellence symbolically represented through denim outfits worn by attendees.​