The European Union stands ready to support Bangladesh's interim government, headed by Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, in every possible way in its reform initiatives and fight against corruption.
Paola Pampaloni, director, Asia and Pacific Department of European External Action Service, expressed European countries' readiness to back Bangladesh when she called on the chief adviser at his Tejgaon office on Wednesday.
Michael Miller, the ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was present at the event.
"The message is very clear. The European Union is with you. We want to support your reforms," Ms Paola told Dr Yunus, confirming the support of 27 EU member states for Bangladesh.
She said there would be fund shortages for reforms, adding that the EU would also provide Bangladesh with technical support for accomplishing the job.
Dr Yunus appreciated the gesture, recalling his meeting with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on the sidelines of the latest United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In September, the duo discussed ways and means of supporting Bangladesh.
Back then, he pointed out, Von der Leyen had pledged to help Bangladesh combat corruption and the country's transition towards renewable energy with its vast experience on fields.
Ms Paola acknowledged that the European Union had done it with many other countries using its technical expertise and financial support.
"We were listening to your statements in UNGA carefully and resolved that we've someone who can be worked with in Bangladesh. You don't need to feel alone. We are really keen to support."
The EU official urged Bangladesh to create more investment opportunities, which would create more jobs and increase multilateral trade.
Ambassador Miller told the chief adviser that the vice-president of the European Investment Bank was planning to visit Bangladesh in January to explore more business opportunities here.
Dr Yunus reassured the EU officials of Bangladesh's commitment to labour rights reform, which would pave the way for bringing more investment.
"We want to make sure we keep international standards... there will be no hide and seek. We don't want to play this game anymore," he told them.
The EU officials praised the chief adviser's political commitment to reforms in various sectors.
"This is for the first time we have seen some political commitment to something that we have set in. So, we count on you," remarked Ms Paola.
Dr Yunus requested the European Union to work with Nepal and India with an eye to increasing regional power connectivity.
He said, "Nepal has huge hydropower, which is being wasted. With the European Union's support, Nepal, Bangladesh and India can all benefit from it."
The CA also urged the EU to focus on the nation's youth and highlighted the latest laurels of Bangladeshi girls in the South Asian football tournament.
"They have come and conquered, not just once but twice," he continued.
The Nobel laureate also requested the supranational bloc to send a European soccer team in a bid to inspire Bangladeshi girls.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com