Diplomatic Correspondent :
Envoys and high representatives from international organisations have expressed their strong support for the Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Their backing comes in recognition of the government’s efforts to ensure a democratic and inclusive future for the nation.
During a diplomatic briefing held at a city hotel on Sunday, Dr Yunus engaged with representatives from various missions and organisations.
The event saw the participation of at least 51 envoys from different missions, along with 16 representatives from international bodies.
Italian diplomat Mattia Ventura commended the significance of the meeting, calling it a pivotal moment for Bangladesh.
“It was a great honour to meet Professor Yunus in such a significant moment for Bangladesh,” Ventura said, underscoring the importance of the country’s current trajectory under Yunus’s leadership.
The World Bank’s Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Abduoulaye Seck, also shared his sentiments on the occasion. Posting a photograph with Dr Yunus, Seck emphasised the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development goals.
“It was an honour to meet Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and hear his inspiring vision for ensuring just and inclusive growth for the people of Bangladesh.
As a long-standing partner of Bangladesh, the World Bank is committed to helping achieve its development aspirations,” Seck remarked.
Australia’s High Commission in Bangladesh was another voice in the chorus of support, reaffirming the commitment to human rights and democratic principles.
The High Commission shared a photo of Acting Australian High Commissioner Nardia Simpson with Dr Yunus, stating, “Acting Australian High Commissioner, Nardia Simpson was honoured to meet with interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Australia welcomes his commitment to universal human rights and his vision for a democratic and inclusive future for all.”
Bernd Spanier, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh wrote, “Great privilege to see Prof Yunus during a meeting with the diplomatic corps.
He (Yunus) said that his mandate included ‘vital reforms in our election system, judiciary, civil administration, security forces and media.’ The EU stands ready to help.”
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke wrote, “It was an important opportunity to hear the interim government’s priorities and how we can support their work to chart an inclusive, democratic future for Bangladesh.”
Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh in a twit wrote, “Amb Renggli briefly met Dr. Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh at an event.
Dr. Yunus addressed the priorities, opportunities and challenges facing his government Switzerland will continue its strong partnership with Bangladesh in its quest for peace, prosperity and economic empowerment for all.”
The Turkish Embassy in Bangladesh shared a photo of Dr. Yunus and noted, “Prof Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the government of Bangladesh, held a meeting with the Ambassadors residing in Dhaka today and shared his views on current developments.”
French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy expressed appreciation for Dr. Yunus’s ability to communicate his reform agenda, stating, “Deeply appreciated Chief Adviser’s talent to communicate about his passion to reform the country in those challenging times. France is committed to the development and stability of Bangladesh in support of Dr. Yunus.”
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller extended support for the interim government’s priorities and the nation’s pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), saying, “Pleased to meet Professor Muhammad Yunus and to extend UNDP’s support to the emerging priorities of the interim government and Bangladesh’s efforts to achieve the SDGs.”
The Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh also expressed respect for Dr. Yunus, sharing a photo and stating, “Privileged to see Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus Sahib today during a meeting with the diplomatic corps. Deepest respect.”
In addition to these international endorsements, Rohingya activist Lucky Karim, a refugee in Illinois, USA, highlighted Dr. Yunus’s call for international support for Rohingya humanitarian efforts. Karim praised Dr. Yunus’s remarks on the need for sustained international efforts for Rohingya repatriation, stating, “We need the sustained efforts of the international community for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their eventual repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, with safety, dignity, and full rights.”