New Dutch envoy, CA Yunus discuss bilateral ties, Bangladesh polls and Rohingya crisis
Muhammad Yunus briefed Ambassador Boris van Bommel on the interim government's preparations to hold the general election in February, emphasising steps taken to ensure the polls are free, fair and peaceful.
The newly appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands, Boris van Bommel, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka yesterday (18 September), where they discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral relations, the upcoming general election, trade and agriculture, and the Rohingya crisis.
Yunus briefed the ambassador on the interim government's preparations to hold the general election in the first half of February, emphasising steps taken to ensure the polls are free, fair and peaceful, said a press release issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing today.
Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed his country's support for Bangladesh's democratic transition. He noted that a European Union pre-election observation team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh this week, with the Netherlands actively supporting the mission.
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The discussion also touched on bilateral cooperation in water management.
Yunus recalled how Bangladesh has benefited from Dutch expertise in managing floods and protecting low-lying coastal areas.
"We have a lot in common. There is much we can build together and learn from one another's experiences," the chief adviser said.
Ambassador van Bommel expressed interest in Bangladesh's recent development achievements, including its innovations in social business and microcredit.
Yunus appealed for increased Dutch aid to support more than one million Rohingyas currently residing in Cox's Bazar, citing a significant funding shortfall that threatens ongoing humanitarian efforts.
He informed the ambassador of an upcoming high-level international conference on the Rohingya crisis, scheduled for 30 September at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The chief adviser expressed hope that the event would galvanise international support and help mobilise critical funding for the humanitarian response in the camps.
The ambassador acknowledged the urgency of the crisis, stating that the Rohingya issue deserves greater international attention.
However, he noted that global focus has been diverted by other ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
