[🇧🇩] US/EU support to Yunus-led govt

[Saif]

US to help Bangladesh get back billions of dollars siphoned abroad

Blinken assures Yunus

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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.

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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 V @Vikings S @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.

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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...

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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.​

 

[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.

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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.​