January 9, 2025
DHAKA – The interim government is simultaneously preparing for national and local body elections, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus told European Investment Bank [EIB] Vice-President Nicola Beer yesterday.
He said this when Beer called on him at state guesthouse Jamuna, according to the press wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Earlier, Prof Yunus said the national elections would be held either at the end of this year or by the first half of next year.
He sought EIB’s help in tackling corruption, the green transition in energy, and formulating a broader plan for the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the surrounding region and river system.
The chief adviser also sought EIB support in building facilities at Chittagong Port for the development of the people in eastern Bangladesh and water management in northern Bangladesh.
He said the development of the port will also benefit eastern India and Myanmar.
Beer assured of EIB help in carrying out vital reforms the government has undertaken. “We have come in a very challenging time; we back the interim government and its reform agenda.”
Pledging support, she said the EU has the technical expertise.
During the visit, Prof Yunus recalled his meeting with EU President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September last year when they had discussed possible areas of support in the fight against corruption and Bangladesh’s increased shift towards renewable energy from fossil fuel.
He also noted his recent meeting with EU envoys in December last year when many areas of cooperation were discussed.
Special Envoy to Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Mahmud Chowdhory, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and EU Ambassador Michael Miller, were among others, present on the occasion.