Yunus’s talks with EU signals announcement on reform, election process by Dec

Highlights: 

• Yunus wants EU's support in transforming energy sector
• Urges EU envoys to shift visa centres from Delhi to Dhaka
• EU wants Bangladesh to uphold rule of law

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has hinted that an announcement regarding the reform and election process will be made later this month, outlining how it will proceed and meet the expectations in line with the vision for a new Bangladesh.

In an interactive session with the envoys of European countries at the Chief Adviser's Office today (9 December), Prof Yunus referred to the Election Reform Commission and said there are certain reforms that are required to finish before the election to avoid old-fashioned problems, reports UNB.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain was also present at the session.

Yunus said they have to wait for the report to incorporate those proposals in the election process. "If the government holds the election now, it will be an old-fashioned one and all the old-fashioned problems will come back."

Prof Yunus highlighted the interim government's commitment to building a new Bangladesh that requires new policies and a new institutional framework and said the political parties are very interested in holding the election. "We are also interested in holding the election."

The chief adviser told the diplomats that he was trying to explain to the people about the government's two responsibilities – holding the election and carrying out reforms in various areas.

He said there are 15 different commissions and the government is expecting reports from these commissions by the end of this month (December) to the middle of January.

Prof Yunus said they would be ready for the election once the election process reforms are implemented. "This is the direction we are going…two processes are moving in the same direction towards our goal." 

Transform energy sector

Prof Yunus also urged the European Union to extend support to Bangladesh to transform its energy sector. 

He said, "We look forward to your cooperation on that…we also talked to other countries to provide us support for transformation of our energy sector."

Prof Yunus further said the environment is, of course, a top priority for them.

Bangladesh is a victim of environmental degradation that is taking place, Prof Yunus said, adding, "In one area, I get very interested – renewable energy". 

The chief adviser said that Bangladesh is going to open a door with Nepal in this regard.  

Mentioning his meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September this year, he said Ursula Von promised to provide all support technology for Bangladesh for transformation of its energy sector. 

Shift visa centres from Delhi to Dhaka

The chief adviser also requested diplomats of the EU member states to shift their visa centres from New Delhi to Dhaka or a neighbouring country.

"As India restricts visas for Bangladeshis, many students are unable to go to Delhi to get visas for Europe. As a result, they face uncertainty about their education. If the visa offices are moved to Dhaka or a neighbouring country, both Bangladesh and the European Union will benefit," he said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain mentioned that Bulgaria has already shifted its visa centre for Bangladeshis to Indonesia and Vietnam. He too urged other countries to follow the same process.

EU wants Bangladesh to uphold rule of law

At the meeting, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller welcomed the interim government's commitment to a "peaceful and inclusive" transition, underpinned by good governance, democratic values and respect for human rights. 

"We ask that the government is mindful of the need to uphold rule of law, and respect due process and fundamental rights," he said. 

"It is particularly important to communicate what you are doing well, and also the challenges you face," the ambassador mentioned.

The EU and Bangladesh enjoy already broad relations, said Ambassador Miller, wishing to underline the strong potential for their relationship to grow even further. 

"This is reflected in our recent meetings and in the launch of talks on a new comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement." 

The envoy said the EU highly values their ongoing dialogue and cooperation.

He said Bangladesh is embarking on a transition, with the ambition to put in place far reaching reforms following the tumultuous summer and change of government. 

"Looking backwards, we offer condolences for the loss of life that accompanied the launch of the transition. Looking forward, the EU is committed to supporting Bangladesh's democratic transition," Ambassador Miller said.

He said they are engaging on these issues as a sign of EU support and commitment to stand with Bangladesh and accompany the reform ambitions of the interim government as they prepare for democratic elections.

"We emphasise that the EU wishes to continue its dialogue with Bangladesh on human rights at all levels and in all fora," he said.

On reforms, the ambassador said they are closely following the work of the reform commissions and wish to make it clear that they stand ready to support the implementation of relevant recommendations once they are finalised, or even before, including by mobilising funding, assistance and expertise. 

"We look to this being an inclusive and transparent process," Miller said.

He said they also look to the emergence of specific, prioritised reforms around which there is broad political consensus.

The envoy said that the EU is working very closely with the EU member states. 

"This is known as taking a 'Team Europe' approach, coordinating interventions and making sure they are timely and impactful.  We have many voices, but just one (EU) message," said Ambassador Miller.

The envoys who participated in the meeting are:

Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh; Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh; Achim Tröster, Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh; Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh; Gabriel Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru, Ambassador of Spain to Bangladesh; Nicholas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh; Andre Carstens, CDA a.i., Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka.

Heads/Representatives of EU Missions in New Delhi:

Didier VANDERHASSELT, Ambassador of Belgium to Bangladesh; Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Bangladesh; Marje LUUP, Ambassador of Estonia to Bangladesh; Peggy FRANTZEN, Ambassador of Luxembourg to Bangladesh; Róbert Maxián, Ambassador of Slovakia to Bangladesh; Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner-designate of Cyprus to Bangladesh; Gabor Szucs, First Secretary, Dhaka Office of the Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi; Jaroslaw Jerzy Groberek, Counsellor, Poland Embassy in New Delhi; Sofia Batalha, Deputy Head of Mission, Portugal Embassy in New Delhi; Irma Šinkovec, First Secretary, Embassy of Slovenia in New Delhi; Ruxandra CIOCANELEA, Second Secretary, Embassy of Romania in New Delhi.