Rome supports BD democratic transition, concerned over illicit migration

Italy has extended full support for Bangladesh's democratic transition and the July Charter on reforms said a spokesman for the CA Office on Wednesday.
Italian Undersecretary for Defence (deputy minister for defence) Matteo Perego di Cremnago denoted the support when he paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The two leaders held wide-ranging talks on issues that include trade and defence cooperation, migration, the upcoming February 12 general election and referendum, European Union election observation, and the July Charter.
Praising the July Charter of change on mass uprising, the visiting minister said Italy supports "the comprehensive reforms outlined in the document". He also reaffirmed Rome's backing of Bangladesh's democratic transition through the February 12 vote.
He noted that the Bangladeshi community is integrating well in Italy but raised concerns over illegal migration through the Mediterranean route.
Perego described the Indo-Pacific region as the new centre of global gravity and said Italy seeks to strengthen relations with countries in the region, including with Bangladesh's "growing economy with which to chart a common path forward in the coming days".
Chief Adviser Professor Yunus recalled his long-standing ties with Italy and said that before assuming his role as interim leader of Bangladesh, he helped design this year's Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics as a social- business event.
Professor Yunus emphasised the importance of expanding legal migration to developed countries such as Japan and Italy, where populations are ageing rapidly.
The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his commitment to holding a "free, fair, transparent, and festive election" on February 12. He praised the European Union for deploying a large team of election observers to monitor the polls.
Professor Yunus expects a strong voter turnout, noting that many young people were unable to vote in what he described as "fake elections" held during the 16 years of rule by a "fascist autocratic regime".
He also sought Italy's support for Bangladesh's democratic transition and for strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, and investment.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Italian Ambassador in Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro were also present at the meeting.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com