Announcement over reform, election process this month, Dr Yunus hints

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus has hinted that an announcement regarding the reform and election process will be made later this month, report agencies.

During an interactive session with the envoys of European countries at the Chief Adviser's Office on Monday, Prof. Yunus referred to the Election Reform Commission and stated that certain reforms are required to be completed before the election to avoid old-fashioned problems.

Reiterating the importance of essential reforms before the national elections, he outlined how the election will proceed to meet the expectations in line with the vision for a new Bangladesh.

Dr. Yunus mentioned that they have to wait for the report to incorporate those proposals into the election process. He emphasized that if the government holds the election now, it will be an old-fashioned one, and all the old-fashioned problems will resurface.

Prof. Yunus highlighted the interim government's commitment to building a new Bangladesh that requires new policies and a new institutional framework. He mentioned that political parties are eager to hold the election, and they share the same interest.

Dr. Yunus informed the diplomats that he was trying to explain to the people the government's two responsibilities - holding the election and carrying out reforms in various areas.

He stated that there are 15 different commissions, and the government expects reports from these commissions by the end of this month to the middle of January.

Prof. Yunus expressed that they will be ready for the election once the election process reforms are completed.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prof. Yunus expressed that this is a very exciting moment for Bangladesh as it is a month of Victory.

He also mentioned that it is a special occasion to have everyone together, showing support for Bangladesh politically, economically, and morally.

Despite propaganda and misinformation campaigns against Bangladesh, Yunus highlighted the strong sense of unity in the country.

Yunus informed EU ambassadors that attempts were being made to destabilize Bangladesh using funds illegally siphoned out of the country, accusing the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her allies of orchestrating these efforts.

The two-and-a-half-hour meeting was attended by heads of missions from eight EU countries in Dhaka and five missions based in New Delhi, with Michael Miller, the head of the EU delegation to Bangladesh, leading the team.

Among the attendees, 15 representatives shared their views on topics such as labour rights, trade benefits, climate change, human rights, the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act, Rohingya repatriation, and commitments towards building a sustainable future, according to a statement from the Chief Advisor's Office.

Among other issues Prof Yunus urged the EU to extend support to Bangladesh to transform its energy sector.

"We look forward to your cooperation on that...we also talked to other countries to provide us support for transformation of our energy sector," he said. Prof Yunus said environment is, of course, a top priority for them.

Head of Delegation 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.

"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 the best way we can.," Ambassador Miller said.