Polls likely by December

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus reaffirms that the interim government is committed to holding a free and fair election and the voting is likely to be held by next December.

He made the remarks while talking to visiting European Union (EU) Commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management Hadja Lahbib when the latter called on the chief adviser at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka, said a spokesperson for the CA office.

During the hour-long meeting, the two sides also discussed energy connectivity, including hydroelectricity-import opportunities from Nepal, flood management, including in the region, climate change, and the interim government's reform initiatives.

Professor Yunus sought EU support for the import of hydroelectricity from the Himalayan state of Nepal as it would pave the way for Bangladesh's transition towards renewable energy and ease off reliance on fossil fuels.

"We talk about renewable energy, and here is the renewable energy. Both Nepal and Bhutan are very keen to sell renewable energy to us," the head of post-uprising government said.

The EU commissioner stressed more cooperation in preparedness, disaster management, and climate change, including flood control, saying that the EU is keen to exchange "good practices" and preparedness strategies with Bangladesh.

She said the EU is providing 68 million euros this year for the Rohingya response, including the host communities in Bangladesh and for the Myanmar conflict, notably for the people caught in violence in Myanmar's western Rakhine state.

But, despite the fact that the amount is more than the initial EU contribution last year, it is still not enough to avoid the risk of a significant deterioration of humanitarian situation in the camps, the commissioner said, due to the growing funding gap.

Professor Yunus reiterated his government's support for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, saying it is a "big issue" for Bangladesh.

"It has been going on for several years without any solution. There is no expiry date.

"We are very happy to see you visit Bangladesh. The UN secretary-general is coming. We are trying to draw international attention to the Rohingya crisis," said the chief adviser.

The EU commissioner said the only answer to the crisis is peace.

"We need to remain prepared for all kinds of disasters, including man-made disasters. Such disasters also include disinformation," she said.

Lahbib lauded the leadership of Professor Yunus at this critical juncture of the country.

"You did an extraordinary job at an extraordinary time. My main message is we are ready to reinforce our cooperation," said the EU commissioner.

She also reaffirmed EU support for the reform agenda of the interim government.

"It is a very important strategic window that we are witnessing. We know there is always resistance when you want to change something. So, a lot is needed to be done," she said.

"We are here beside you," she assured.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com