[🇧🇩] US/EU support for Yunus-led govt

[Saif]

Prof Yunus-Biden meeting to help take Dhaka-Washington ties to new level: Press Secretary

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is holding a meeting with US President Joe Biden (Tuesday morning NY Time) which is seen as a “rare occasion” and will help take the existing good relations to a new level between the two countries. “This is an important day. It is very rare (to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Prof Yunus-Biden meeting to help take Dhaka-Washington ties to new level: Press Secretary
Published :
Sep 24, 2024 21:15
Updated :
Sep 24, 2024 21:15

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is holding a meeting with US President Joe Biden (Tuesday morning NY Time) which is seen as a “rare occasion” and will help take the existing good relations to a new level between the two countries.

“This is an important day. It is very rare (to see such a meeting) at the UNGA. We expect it will be a very fruitful meeting,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said ahead of the meeting that began at 11am (NY time).

Alam said Bangladesh maintains very good relations with the US and with this meeting, the relationship will reach a new level, reports UNB.

He said economic cooperation, democratic transition, and Bangladesh’s reform issues are likely to be discussed in the meeting.

“It’s good news that the US stands beside Bangladesh in this period of transition,” he added.

Bangladesh and the US are working on a number of issues closely, including labour sector reforms and Rohingya issues.

The scheduled meeting with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UNGA reflects growing relations between the two countries, Bangladesh said.

This is going to be a one-to-one meeting, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB, confirming the meeting in New York.

It is very significant as no US president has held a bilateral meeting with any Bangladesh head of government in the past decades in New York, the official added.

The meeting is likely to last at least 15 minutes.

It is not usual for a US President to hold bilateral meetings during the UNGA and Dhaka hopes to see a new strategic partnership emerge out of this meeting that will strengthen the ties with the US on all fronts.

Biden is visiting New York City to participate in the 79th session of the UNGA.

In addition to addressing the General Assembly on September 24, President Biden will meet with world leaders to discuss cooperation in tackling threats to international peace and security, advancing global prosperity, and protecting human rights, said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s travel to New York City.

The US has already affirmed their dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth, institution building, and development to benefit the people of Bangladesh.

As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the US said it stands ready to support those efforts.

This is Prof Yunus’ first visit to the United States as head of the Bangladesh government to attend the 79th UNGA and also first visit abroad since the formation of the interim government on August 8.​

 

[Saif]

Help build a new Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought support from foreign friends for Bangladesh’s new journey towards a happy and prosperous future.

www.thedailystar.net

Help build a new Bangladesh
Yunus urges foreign friends at UN to support country’s new journey

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus introduces Mahfuj Alam and Aysha Siddique Tithi, coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, to the audience at an event of the Clinton Global Initiative at New York’s Hilton hotel on Tuesday. Former US president Bill Clinton is seen applauding. Photo: PID

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought support from foreign friends for Bangladesh's new journey towards a happy and prosperous future.

"Our job is to clean it up and reform it. We need to make a good start. We need the support from all of you to make that happen," he said while addressing a reception on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters on Tuesday evening (New York time), reports UNB.

He said the interim government does not want to miss the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh.

Around 200 representatives of countries and territories attending the UNGA was at the event hosted by Bangladesh marking the 50th anniversary of the country's UN membership.

Prof Yunus and renowned photographer Shahidul Alam jointly unveiled two books that depict events of the student-led mass uprising, which led to the fall of Awami League regime after 15 years in power.

Recalling the sacrifices made by the students and people during the uprising, Prof Yunus said the people are united today. "We don't want to disappoint them."

He said the students invited him to lead the interim government until the elections are held following reforms. "It is a very significant year for us …"

At an event of the Clinton Global Initiative 2024, Prof Yunus shared the stage with former US president Bill Clinton where he introduced two young people, including his special assistant Mahfuj Alam, and lauded their role during the uprising.

With Clinton standing beside him, Prof Yunus said, "It is amazing…the way they speak, the language I have never heard. They speak about the world, they speak about the country, they want to build themselves, and they are ready to make that happen.

"So, please help them, support them. So that their dreams come true. And, this is a responsibility we take together. And, you will be with us," he said holding Clinton's hand.

As the two young people went on the stage, Prof Yunus said they shook the entire country with their speeches and their commitment. "They said 'you can kill us, but we are not giving up'."

When they speak and the language they use inspire young people across the world, he said, adding, "Let's give them a big applause. They are the ones creating the new version of Bangladesh. Let's wish them all success."

Pointing at Mahfuj Alam, Yunus said this young man is known to be the brain behind the uprising even though he repeatedly denies it and says there were many others with him.

The Nobel laureate said the young people should lead the way as the old are becoming old-fashioned.

Clinton said, "A few people on this planet have done as much to change the lives of ordinary people who would never have had access to credit.

"You're the only old guy I know who was ever drafted for this eminent position by the young people of a country," he said.

"That's because he has succeeded in doing what we all must do: we all have to stay in the future business."

Yunus, in turn, thanked Clinton for believing in him in his early days, and for standing by him despite criticism at the time for promoting a Bangladeshi economist's ideas in America.

Their friendship dates back to the 1980s, when Clinton, then governor of Arkansas, invited Yunus to visit and share his approach to alleviating poverty through small loans.

Stating that he was very proud of Prof Yunus and grateful for his leadership, the former US president said all should wish Bangladesh well and do what they can to support them.

The press wing of the Chief Adviser's Office said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke of opening "a new page" on Dhaka-Rome relationship.

She made the remarks when she met Prof Yunus in New York on Tuesday.

Meloni said Italy would support the Yunus-led interim government to carry out vital reforms in key sectors.

"You can count on us…let's try to open a new page in our relationship," she added.

Prof Yunus urged Meloni to formalise migration from Bangladesh, paving the way for the entry of more Bangladeshis in Italy through legal channels and cutting risky illegal migration.

Meloni agreed, saying both nations should work together to stop illegal migration and conduct training for people planning to work in Italy.​

 

[Saif]

ড. ইউনূস পেয়ে আমেরিকানদের ভিতরে আনন্দ আর বাঁধভাঙ্গা উচ্ছ্বাস​

 

[PakistanProud]

Biden offers full US support to Yunus-led govt

View attachment 8809

US President Joe Biden has offered his country's full support to Bangladesh's interim government during his rare bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

They met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last night, signalling a new beginning of the relationship that was strained over the last couple of years.

Nobel laureate Yunus apprised Biden how students stood up to the tyranny of the previous government and laid down their lives to create this opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh, according to a statement from the chief adviser's press wing.

He stressed that his government must succeed in rebuilding the country and would need US cooperation.

"President Biden said if the students could make so much sacrifice for their country, they too should do more," the statement said.

Prof Yunus handed a copy of "The Art of Triumph", a book on graffiti drawn by the student protesters and young pupils during the mass uprising, to President Biden.

"This is a rare meeting at the UNGA. It's good news that the US stands beside Bangladesh in this period of transition," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB.

He said Bangladesh maintains fine relations with the US, and this meeting will take the ties to a new level.

Diplomatic sources told The Daily Star the US president usually goes to the UNGA for a short time and holding any bilateral meetings with the head of Bangladesh government in New York is rare. This meeting signals Washington's deep interest in engaging with Dhaka.

In fact, they said, the US has been trying to deepen the engagement with Bangladesh over the last few years, but it was not going very well.

The US suspended the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) facility for Bangladesh in the aftermath of the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, citing poor labour conditions.

In 2021, it imposed sanctions on Rab and seven of its top officials over human rights violations and in May last year announced visa restrictions for those undermining democratic elections.

After the January elections, Washington said the polls were neither free, fair or participatory.

Under the current interim administration, a six-member US delegation, led by Treasury Department's Assistant Secretary Brent Nieman, visited Dhaka mid-September. It expressed the US's commitment to support Prof Yunus' reform agenda, and eagerness to offer technical and financial assistance for reforms.

When the interim government has taken up major reform initiatives in the changed political landscape, Washington is showing increasing interest in Bangladesh.

Analysts said Bangladesh's main challenge now is boosting trade and economy, and Washington has the capacity to support Dhaka to that end.

For example, US can provide GSP facility through a presidential decree, which can help increase Bangladesh's export to the US by $4-$5 billion.

Bangladesh's export to the US now is nearly $8 billion a year.

M Humayun Kabir, a former Bangladesh ambassador to the US, said the US can make investment through the US International Development Finance Corporation, support the reform process, bring back laundered money etc.

Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, a senior research fellow at the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance at North South University, said the US can also help security reforms that can eventually lead to withdrawal of sanctions against Rab.

Besides, with better political understanding, Bangladesh may reap greater economic benefits and have access to new avenues for much-needed external funds through multilateral lenders like the World Bank, the IMF or the ADB.

YUNUS MEETS TRUDEAU

Yunus also met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in New York and discussed ways to cement the Bangladesh-Canada relationship, deepen freedom, build institutions, and support the youth of Bangladesh.

During the brief meeting, he handed "The Art of Triumph" to the Canadian prime minister.

Trudeau appreciated Yunus for assuming the responsibility and expressed Canada's readiness to support institution-building in Bangladesh, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser's Office.

Yunus appreciated Canada for its friendship with Bangladesh and the Canadian government's support for the interim government.

He requested Canada to grant more visas to Bangladeshi students.

Yunus reached New York on Monday night and started his UNGA visit with a reception hosted by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He met prominent world leaders at the reception. He also joined the inaugural session of the UNGA.

This is Prof Yunus' first foreign visit as head of the interim government to attend the 79th UNGA.

The chief adviser will address the General Debate of the UNGA on September 27.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, and Additional Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah, among others, are accompanying the chief adviser.

Yunus will also attend a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis and another one titled 'Meet the Friends of Bangladesh'.

He will host a reception on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's membership of the United Nations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to pay the chief adviser a call.​

He (Biden) did a similar 'hand over back hug' to our then PM, Nawaz Sharif, during our war on terror era when he was the vice-president. I found it condescending. How do you consider it to be? @Bilal9 @Vikings @Saif

 

[Saif]

Yunus urges countries to engage with 'new Bangladesh'

Highlighting the context of the anti-discrimination student movement and the changes it brought to Bangladesh, Prof Yunus said the "power of the ordinary people", in particular the youth, presented to the nation an opportunity to overhaul many of the systems and institutions

www.thedailystar.net

Yunus urges countries to engage with 'new Bangladesh'

Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US, September 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters/Mike Segar

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today called upon the international community to engage with "new Bangladesh" anew that aims to realise freedom and democracy.

"Our people, particularly the youth, gained us independence from an autocratic and undemocratic regime with their exceptional resolve and capability. That collective resolve should define Bangladesh of the future and place our nation as a responsive and responsible state in the comity of nations," he said while addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York.

Highlighting the context of the anti-discrimination student movement and the changes it brought to Bangladesh, Prof Yunus said the "power of the ordinary people", in particular the youth, presented to the nation an opportunity to overhaul many of the systems and institutions.

The uprising led by the students and youth was initially aimed at ending discrimination. Progressively, the movement evolved into a people's movement. The world eventually saw how people-at-large stood against autocracy, oppression, discrimination, injustice and corruption, both on the streets and online, he said.

The people's movement left an estimated over 800 martyrs in the hands of the autocratic regime, he added.

Prof Yunus said Bangladesh was born because of her people's profound belief in liberalism, pluralism, and secularism.

"Decades later, our 'Generation Z' is making us re-visit and re-imagine the very values that our people Bangladesh stood for back in 1971. As our people also did in 1952, to defend our mother language, Bangla," he added.

"We were moved by the wisdom, courage and conviction our youth showed," added the chief adviser.

"We believe, the 'monsoon revolution' that the world witnessed in Bangladesh in the span of few weeks, may inspire many across communities and countries, to stand for freedom and justice," he said.​

 

[Saif]

US to help Bangladesh get back billions of dollars siphoned abroad

Blinken assures Yunus

www.thedailystar.net

US to help Bangladesh get back billions of dollars siphoned abroad
Blinken assures Yunus

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Bangladeshi Chief Adviser and Head of the Interim Government Muhammad Yunus on September 26, 2024, in New York. Photo: Reuters/Bryan R Smith

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured US support to get back the billions of dollars stolen from Bangladesh and siphoned abroad by individuals linked with the previous regime.

He said this while holding a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at a hotel in New York.

Yunus said fighting corruption and improving law and order were the top priority of the government, according to chief adviser's press wing.

"The previous regime sank the country into an ocean of corruption. This [fighting corruption] is my number one issue," Yunus said.

He sought US support to get back the billions of dollars stolen from the country and siphoned abroad by individuals linked with the previous regime.

"It is a huge amount of money. Unbelievable!," he said, referring to the laundered assets.

Blinken offered the US government's support in this regard. "We are happy to help," he said. "We have a lot of expertise in dealing with endemic corruption," he added.

Blinken said the US wants to be good partners and it will make things work fast for Bangladesh. He added that the US has "tremendous" respect for Prof Yunus and they admired that he took up the leadership of the country at a critical time for the nation.

The chief adviser said improving labour standards was one of the government's top goals, as this would pave the way for more foreign direct investment in the country.

Blinken said the US is the largest source of foreign investment in Bangladesh and hoped it would grow in the coming years.

They also discussed the UN fact-finding mission investigating atrocities during the July-August uprising and media freedom.

Prof Yunus said his government has upheld freedom of speech and freedom of the of the press. He said he has asked the media to criticise them "as best as they can.".

The chief adviser said the government is committed to maintaining racial harmony in the country. "All of Bangladesh is a big family. We have differences. But we are not enemies," he said.

The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis, with the chief adviser seeking support for hundreds of thousands of young Rohingya children growing up in the camps in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Int’l support garnered to help reforms, growth

As Bangladesh embarks on a new journey toward freedom and democracy after the July uprising, the international support received by Prof Muhammad Yunus at the UN General Assembly is poised to significantly advance the country’s reform and growth initiatives, say foreign policy experts.

www.thedailystar.net

Int’l support garnered to help reforms, growth
Experts say about Yunus’ NY trip

As Bangladesh embarks on a new journey toward freedom and democracy after the July uprising, the international support received by Prof Muhammad Yunus at the UN General Assembly is poised to significantly advance the country's reform and growth initiatives, say foreign policy experts.

The student-led uprising and Yunus's global fame have added unique significance to his presence at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Experts believe the relationship between the US and Bangladesh will enter a new phase, leading to increased investment from Western nations and other key countries following Yunus's first ever visit to New York as head of government for the 79th UNGA session and other sideline events.

Yunus's address at the UNGA, and meetings with global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and heads of the World Bank, IMF, European Commission, USAID and UNDP and other relevant UN agencies signify that his interim government enjoys both political and economic support.

Following a meeting with Yunus, Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, said that the World Bank will provide $3.5 billion to Bangladesh to support the interim government's reform initiatives.

The UNGA served as a platform for the interim government to communicate to leaders from nearly 200 countries the circumstances surrounding Yunus's appointment as head of government, the challenges it faces, and the reform initiatives he has launched.

"Prof Yunus executed this task in the best possible way," said former Bangladesh ambassador to the US, M Humayun Kabir, also the president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute.

"The chief adviser ticked all the boxes. He met key personalities and touched upon all the important issues -- political, economic, human rights, humanitarian, climate change -- as well as regional and global matters," he told The Daily Star.

Humayun said that Yunus's rare meeting with the US president was particularly significant, as the latter pledged full support for the interim government's reform initiatives.

"The US-Bangladesh relationship, which had been strained during the previous Awami League regime, has now entered a new phase."

The initiatives aimed at improving governance across critical sectors like finance, labour, and democracy, with an emphasis on youth, align well with the values of Western democracies, the former diplomat said.

Yunus reached New York on September 23. He was scheduled to return home at 2:15am today.

During his four-day stay in New York, the chief adviser participated in some 40 big events on the sidelines of the UNGA, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB.

The interim government has demonstrated its political will to improving human rights by inviting a UN Fact-Finding Mission to investigate the human rights abuses that occurred during the July uprising, and by establishing an inquiry commission to probe enforced disappearances.

Yunus further conveyed to the international community that six commissions have already been formed to facilitate reforms in various sectors, with additional commissions planned. The government will implement essential political, economic, and governance reforms based on their recommendations and consultations with stakeholders before the parliamentary elections.

"We now have a strong international support base and the financial resources we need. It's time for us to deliver," said Humayun.

The young people had called for an end to discrimination and the establishment of social justice and democracy, emphasising that reforms must align with their expectations, he said.

SK Tawfique M Haque, a professor of political science at North South University, said warm reception for Prof Yunus from global leaders and the commitment of several billion dollars for Bangladesh will give a huge boost to both foreign and local businesses.

"We can expect increased investment in Bangladesh from Western nations," he told The Daily Star.

Analysts noted that many foreign investors, particularly from the West, had been hesitant to investing in Bangladesh due to a lack of conducive business environment. Prof Yunus has pledged to improve labour rights and the overall business environment.

This initiative, along with the development of green industries, is crucial for Bangladesh which will lose its trade privileges upon graduating from LDC status to developing nation in 2026. Therefore, creating a competitive business environment is vital for sustaining in the post-LDC era.

"These are the areas where we need to work a lot. The international community is supportive and we must leverage that," said Humayun.

Keeping the regional perspectives in mind, Prof Yunus met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. While there was no meeting between Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The chief adviser also held talks with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, UN Refugee Agency Chief Filippo Grandi and International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim AA Khan.

"There may be a shift in Bangladesh's Rohingya policy as Prof Yunus aligns more closely with international standards. This could encourage the international community to increase funding and renew their focus," said Prof Tawfique.

He said that while Bangladesh's relationship with the US has reached a new height, the country must remain cautious due to its geographical position, bordered by India and close to China.

"Socio-economic development is our priority. We will definitely uphold democracy and human rights, and avoid doing anything that could lead to a conflict with any foreign nation," Tawfique said.

Bangladesh's foreign relations must be rooted in mutual interest and respect, said Humayun.​

 

[Saif]

He (Biden) did a similar 'hand over back hug' to our then PM, Nawaz Sharif, during our war on terror era when he was the vice-president. I found it condescending. How do you consider it to be? @Bilal9 @Vikings @Saif

“It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal.”― Henry Kissinger

 

[Saif]

27 EU envoys stationed in Dhaka, Delhi to meet Bangladesh interim chief on Dec 9

Diplomats representing 27 countries of European Union — 20 of them stationed in New Delhi and the rest seven in Dhaka — are set to meet interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on December 9 in Dhaka.

www.newagebd.net

27 EU envoys stationed in Dhaka, Delhi to meet Bangladesh interim chief on Dec 9
Staff Correspondent 05 December, 2024, 18:18

Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus | UNB photo

Diplomats representing 27 countries of European Union — 20 of them stationed in New Delhi and the rest seven in Dhaka — are set to meet interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on December 9 in Dhaka.

This will be the first such gathering of 27 ambassadors from the European Union member countries to express their support for Bangladesh and explore new areas and ways for further cooperation with the government at a time when the country is going through a transition after the fall of the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India for shelter amid a student-led mass uprising on August 5.

‘Both sides will explore new areas of cooperation in the meeting beside discussion on Rohingya crisis, climate issues, GSP+ facilities for Bangladesh in the post-LDC era,’ said foreign ministry spokesperson and director general for public diplomacy wing Mohammad Rafiqul Alam at the weekly briefing at his Segunbagicha office on Thursday while disclosing the date for the crucial meeting.

Ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller would also join the European countries’ envoys in the meeting with Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.

Earlier on November 17, chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said that 27 ambassadors of all the countries of European Union would meet him in the next few days without giving any date.

‘Twenty ambassadors from 20 European Union countries based in Delhi along with seven ambassadors from seven countries based in Dhaka are coming to Dhaka in the next few days to meet me,’ Yunus said in his televised speech address to the nation marking 100 days of the government on that day.

Three days after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, Nobel laureate Yunus took over as the chief adviser of the interim government on August 8.

‘Never before did 27 ambassadors from the EU come together to discuss with the government,’ the chief adviser said.

The reason for this gathering was to express the EU support and to develop high-level cooperation in the economic field, he said, adding that ambassadors from many countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Singapore, Libya, have already met him.​

 

[Saif]

27 EU envoys stationed in Bangladesh, India set to meet Yunus today

Diplomats representing 27 countries of European Union—20 of them stationed in New Delhi and the rest seven in Dhaka—are set to meet interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus today at his Tejagaon office in Dhaka...

www.newagebd.net

27 EU envoys stationed in Bangladesh, India set to meet Yunus today
Staff Correspondent 09 December, 2024, 00:31

Diplomats representing 27 countries of European Union—20 of them stationed in New Delhi and the rest seven in Dhaka—are set to meet interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus today at his Tejagaon office in Dhaka.

The government was expecting envoys from all these 27 countries along with ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller to join the meeting with Muhammad Yunus at his office, the press wing of the Chief Adviser Office confirmed on Sunday.

This will be the first such gathering from the European Union to express their support for Bangladesh and explore new areas and ways for further cooperation with the government at a time when the country is going through a transition after the fall of the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid a student-led mass uprising on August 5.

Foreign ministry officials engaged in the preparations for the meeting said that it was an opportunity for Bangladesh to explore more areas of cooperation, including trade and climate issues, with the European Union nations.

‘Both sides will explore new areas of cooperation in the meeting besides discussion on the Rohingya crisis, climate issues, GSP+ facilities for Bangladesh in the post-LDC era,’ said foreign ministry spokesperson and director general for public diplomacy wing Mohammad Rafiqul Alam at the weekly briefing at his Segunbagicha office on Thursday while disclosing the date for the crucial meeting.

Earlier on November 17, chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said that 27 ambassadors of all the European Union countries would meet him in the next few days without giving any date.

‘Twenty ambassadors from 20 European Union countries based in Delhi along with seven ambassadors from seven countries based in Dhaka are coming to Dhaka in the next few days to meet me,’ Yunus said in his televised address to the nation marking 100 days of the government on that day.

Three days after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, Nobel laureate Yunus took over as the chief adviser of the interim government on August 8.

‘Never before did 27 ambassadors from the EU come together to discuss with the government,’ the chief adviser said.

The reason for this gathering was to express the EU support and to develop high-level cooperation in the economic field, he said, adding that ambassadors from many countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Singapore, and Libya, had already met him after the political changeover.​