The European Union is ready to support Bangladesh鈥檚 interim government headed by chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in every possible way in its reform initiatives and fight against corruption.
Paola Pampaloni, Director, Asia and Pacific Department of European External Action Service, expressed the readiness of the European countries to support Bangladesh when she called on the chief adviser at his Tejgaon office in Dhaka on Wednesday, said a聽 press release from the Chief Adviser鈥檚 Office press wing.
Michael Miller, the ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was present on the occasion.
鈥楾he message is very clear. The European Union is with you. We want to support your reform,鈥� Pampaloni told the chief adviser, confirming the support of 27 member states of the European Union for Bangladesh.
Pampaloni said that there would be no shortage of funds for reform, and they would also provide Bangladesh鈥檚 interim government with technical support for accomplishing the job.
The chief adviser appreciated the gesture and recalled his meeting with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, when the two discussed ways and means for support for Bangladesh.
He pointed out that Von der Leyen had pledged to help Bangladesh combat corruption and the country鈥檚 transition towards renewable energy.
Pampaloni acknowledged that the European Union had done it with many other countries using its technical expertise and financial support.
鈥榃e were listening to your statements in UNGA carefully and resolved that now we have someone who can be worked with in Bangladesh. We are really keen to support,鈥� she said.
The EU official urged Bangladesh to create more investment opportunities, which would create more jobs and increase trade.
Ambassador Miller told the chief adviser that the vice-president of European Investment Bank was planning to visit Bangladesh in January to explore more business opportunities with Bangladesh.
The chief adviser reassured the European Union officials about Bangladesh鈥檚 commitment to labour rights reform, which would pave the way for bringing more investment.
鈥榃e want to make sure we keep the international standard... there will be no hide and seek. We don鈥檛 want to play this game anymore,鈥� he told the EU officials.
The EU officials praised Professor Yunus鈥檚 political commitment to reforms in various sectors.
鈥楾his is for the first time we have seen some political commitment on something that we have set in. So, we count on you,鈥� Pampaloni said.
Professor Yunus requested the European Union to work with Nepal and India to increase regional power connectivity.
He said that Nepal had huge hydropower, which is being wasted, and with some support from the European Union, Nepal, Bangladesh, and India could all benefit from it.
He also urged the EU to focus on Bangladesh鈥檚 youths and highlighted the recent achievements of Bangladeshi girls in the South Asian football team, according to the release.
鈥楾hey have come and conquered, not just once but twice,鈥� he said.
He also requested the EU to send a European soccer team to inspire Bangladeshi girls.
