Steps Taken To Ensure Fair, Peaceful Polls: Yunus
Ambassador Van Bommel Reiterated His Country’s Support For Bangladesh’s Democratic Transition
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus briefed newly appointed Dutch Ambassador Boris van Bommel on the interim government’s preparations to hold a general election in the first half of February, highlighting measures taken to ensure the polls are free, fair, and peaceful.
The Ambassador met Prof Yunus at the Guest House Jamuna on Thursday, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said Friday.
Their discussions covered a wide range of issues, including strengthening bilateral relations, the upcoming election, trade, agriculture, and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis.
Ambassador van Bommel reiterated the Netherlands’ support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He also noted that a European Union pre-election observation team is expected in Bangladesh this week, with the Netherlands playing an active role in the mission.
The talks touched on bilateral cooperation in water management, with Prof Yunus recalling Bangladesh’s long-standing benefits from Dutch expertise in flood control and coastal protection.
“We have much in common. There is a great deal we can build together and learn from each other’s experiences,” the Chief Adviser remarked.
Ambassador van Bommel expressed interest in Bangladesh’s development achievements, particularly its innovations in social business and microcredit.
Prof Yunus sought increased Dutch support for over one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, stressing that a severe funding shortfall threatens ongoing humanitarian efforts. He also informed the envoy about a high-level international conference on the Rohingya crisis, set for September 30 during the UN General Assembly in New York, which he hoped would rally global backing and mobilise critical resources.
Acknowledging the urgency of the crisis, Ambassador van Bommel said the Rohingya issue deserves greater global attention, though he noted that other international conflicts have diverted focus.
Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator of the government, was also present at the meeting.
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