Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Monday called on the European Union (EU) to support Bangladesh in transforming its energy sector.
“We seek your cooperation on this matter… We have also reached out to other countries for support in the transformation of our energy sector,” he said during an interactive session with European diplomats based in Dhaka and New Delhi.
Professor Yunus emphasized that environmental concerns are a top priority for Bangladesh, noting the country’s vulnerability to environmental degradation. “One area that particularly interests me is renewable energy,” he said.
The Chief Adviser mentioned plans to collaborate with Nepal in this sector. He also referred to a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. During their discussion, renewable energy emerged as a key topic. Prof. Yunus stated that Ursula von der Leyen assured him of technological and other necessary support to assist Bangladesh in transforming its energy sector.
Meanwhile, Dr. Muhammad Yunus in the very same meeting called on European Union (EU) countries to relocate their visa centers from Delhi to Dhaka or a nearby country.
The two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting included a 19-member EU delegation led by Michael Miller, Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh. Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain also attended the discussion.
Dr. Yunus highlighted that due to India’s visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals, many students are struggling to obtain European visas from Delhi, jeopardizing their educational opportunities.
He suggested that relocating visa centers to Dhaka or a neighboring country would benefit both Bangladesh and the EU.
Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain noted that Bulgaria has already shifted its visa centers for Bangladeshi applicants to Indonesia and Vietnam, encouraging other EU nations to consider a similar approach. Besides, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, in the meeting expressed support for the interim government’s pledge to ensure a “peaceful and inclusive” transition grounded in good governance, democratic principles, and respect for human rights.
“We urge the government to remain mindful of upholding the rule of law, respecting due process, and safeguarding fundamental rights,” he stated during an interactive session with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office.
