Italy backs Bangladesh’s democratic transition, July Charter: deputy minister

Italy has reiterated its full support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the July Charter, a reform blueprint aimed at renewing the country’s democratic institutions, according to an Italian deputy minister.

Italy’s Undersecretary for Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago, made the remarks during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said this morning.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues, including trade and defence cooperation, migration, the February 12 general elections and referendum, European Union election observation, and the July Charter.

Commending the July Charter, the visiting minister said Italy supports the wide-ranging reforms outlined in the document and reaffirmed Rome’s backing of Bangladesh’s democratic transition through the February 12 polls.

Perego described the Indo-Pacific as the emerging centre of global gravity and said Italy is keen to deepen engagement with countries in the region, including Bangladesh, noting the potential of its growing economy to build a shared path forward.

He observed that the Bangladeshi community in Italy is integrating well, while also expressing concern over irregular migration through the Mediterranean route.

Recalling his long-standing association with Italy, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus said that prior to assuming leadership of the interim government, he had helped design this year’s Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics as a social business initiative.

Professor Yunus stressed the need to expand avenues for legal migration to developed countries such as Japan and Italy, where ageing populations are creating labour shortages.

He reaffirmed his commitment to holding a free, fair, transparent, and festive election on February 12 and thanked the European Union for deploying a large election observation mission. He expressed confidence in a strong voter turnout, noting that many young citizens had been deprived of voting opportunities during what he described as “fake elections” under 16 years of fascist autocratic rule.

The Chief Adviser also sought Italy’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and closer cooperation in defence, trade, and investment.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro were also present at the meeting.