UK, Canada, EU, Blinken welcome Dr Yunus-led interim govt

FE Team | Published: August 10, 2024 22:31:24

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed the interim government in Bangladesh led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, reports BSS.
"I welcome the swearing in of Dr Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government in Bangladesh," Blinken wrote on his social media handle X on Saturday (Bangladesh time).
He said Washington remains committed to working with Bangladesh as it charts a democratic and prosperous future of the people in Bangladesh.
"The United States supports his (Yunus's) call for calm and peace," Blinken said.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) has welcomed the appointment of the interim government in Bangladesh led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
"The interim government has the UK's support as it works to restore peace and order, for the sake of the Bangladeshi people," British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement.
He said the people of Bangladesh deserve accountability and a peaceful pathway to an inclusive democratic future.
"We urge all actors to prevent further violence and loss of life," Lammy added.
On the other hand, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has also welcomed the Bangladesh's interim government.
"We welcome the inauguration of a new interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This is the first step in restoring peace, to pave the way for free and fair elections and democratic governance," she said in a statement on Friday (Canadian local time), disseminated by Canadian mission in the city on Saturday.
She said Canada supports a peaceful way forward in the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.
"During this period of transition, Canada looks forward to engaging with the interim government in supporting a process that is inclusive with broad political participation by all sectors of society, including religious minorities, youth, women and other minorities," she said.
Joly said Canada reiterated its calls for calm and urged all parties to work together to promote the principles of democratic and inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
"Canada also calls on the (Bangladesh) interim government to maintain full access to internet and other communication means to support the exercise of freedom of expression, and to pursue accountability and a full impartial investigation into the deaths and violence that have occurred," the minister added.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has welcomed the swearing-in of the members of Bangladesh's interim government.
"The EU looks forward to engaging with the new administration and to supporting this critical transition which should be part of a peaceful and inclusive process underpinned by good governance, democratic values and respect for human rights," said the EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles in a statement on Friday.
He said Bangladesh is now entering a period of transition and the interim government will have an important task to prepare the ground for democratic elections and ensure accountability for the deaths and violence that have occurred.