The EU is ready to support the Yunus-led interim government

The European Union stands ready to support in every possible way the interim government of Bangladesh led by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus in its reform initiatives and the fight against corruption.

Paola Pampaloni, Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the European External Action Service, today expressed the willingness of European countries to support Bangladesh when she called on the Chief Adviser at his Tejgaon office in Dhaka.

Michael Miller, the Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, was present on the occasion.

“The message is very clear. The European Union supports you. We want to support your reforms,” Pampaloni told Prof. Yunus, affirming the support of 27 European Union member states for Bangladesh.

Pampaloni said there will be no shortage of money for reforms, and that they will also provide technical support to the interim government to get the job done.

Appreciating the gesture, the Chief Advisor 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 to help Bangladesh supports.

He pointed out that Von der Leyen had promised to help Bangladesh fight corruption and the country’s transition to renewable energy with his vast experience in this field.

Pampaloni acknowledged that the European Union had done this with many other countries using its technical expertise and financial support.

“We listened carefully to your statements in the UNGA and have come to the conclusion that we now have someone with whom we can work together in Bangladesh. You do not have to feel alone. We really want to support you,” she said.

The EU official urged Bangladesh to create more investment opportunities, which would create more jobs and increase trade.

EU Ambassador Miller told the Chief Advisor that the Vice President of the European Investment Bank planned to visit Bangladesh in January to explore more business opportunities with Bangladesh.

The chief adviser reassured EU officials of Bangladesh’s commitment to labor rights reform, which would pave the way for more investment.

“We want to make sure we maintain the international standard… there will be no more hide and seek. We don’t want to play this game anymore,” he told EU officials.

The EU officials praised Professor Yunus’ political commitment to reforms in various sectors.

“This is the first time we have seen any political involvement in anything we have invested. So we are counting on you,” Pampaloni said.

Prof Yunus requested the European Union to work with Nepal and India to increase regional power connectivity.

He said Nepal has enormous hydropower, which is being wasted, and with some support from the European Union, Nepal, Bangladesh and India can all benefit from it.

The Chief Advisor also urged the EU to focus on the youth of Bangladesh and highlighted the recent achievements of Bangladeshi girls in the South Asian football team.

“They have come and conquered, not just once, but twice,” he said.

He also requested the European Union to send a European football team to inspire Bangladeshi girls.