Yunus calls for common platform of contributors

Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has called for a "combined" effort and "a common platform" of donors who gave freely in emergency response to the appeal for flood victims in Bangladesh.
The CA made the call when the US chargé d'affaires in Dhaka, Helen LaFave, paid a courtesy call on him at state guest house Jamuna on Monday, said a spokesperson for the CA.
The envoy raised some concern over labour and minority issues.
In reply, Dr Yunus said every citizen in the country is "protected by the constitution" and the interim government is committed to upholding human rights of all citizens.
The CA told her that his transitional government was tasked with carrying out sweeping reforms and the next general election would be held after a reasonable time.
A range of issues like human rights, cyber security laws and the Rapid Action Battalion also came up during the talks.
The US diplomat said her country would support the interim government of Bangladesh and strengthen ties with Dhaka in a range of issues.
The US government was happy to congratulate the CA and looking forward to working closely together with his government, she added.
Ms Helen said the US embassy here will resume its consular service this week in an effort to expedite visa processing, adding that thousands of Bangladeshi students study at US universities.
According to her, the US will work closely in health, education, labour, governance and Rohingya issues.
Washington has started resettling the Rohingya to the US. Ms Helen hoped the process would be expedited.
The US is the largest contributor to Rohingya humanitarian responses, she said, adding that the amount of Rohingya monthly food aid has been increased this year after more US funding.
The envoy also called for livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya.
In response, Dr Yunus thanked Washington for supporting Dhaka and also for its continued funding for more than 1.0-million Rohingya who live in camps in Cox's Bazar.

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